Cheesy Beef & Potato Delight Casserole
Indulge in this hearty and comforting Cheesy Beef & Potato Delight Casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This sensational dish combines savory ground beef, tender green beans, and creamy, velvety mashed potatoes topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it's also incredibly versatile – feel free to experiment with spices, vegetables, and sauces to create your own signature version. Each bite promises a delicious blend of flavors that will surely satisfy everyone at the table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
2 lbs (browned and drained)
Tomato soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (none)
Green beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (drained)
Instant mashed potatoes
8 cups (prepared according to package directions)
Shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
3
Add the tomato soup and drained green beans to the skillet, stirring until well combined and heated through.
4
Spoon the beef mixture into a generously greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions until creamy and smooth.
6
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef and green bean layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes, ensuring every inch is covered for that gooey, melty goodness.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Feel free to experiment with spices or toppings to suit your taste!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Beef & Potato Delight Casserole?
It is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef, green beans, and tomato soup, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute the 8 cups of prepared instant mashed potatoes with an equal amount of homemade creamy mashed potatoes.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
You can use any ground beef, but the recipe suggests draining excess fat after browning to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Are the green beans cooked before adding them to the skillet?
The recipe uses canned green beans that are drained before being added to the beef and soup mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Is it necessary to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a generously greased casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the tomato soup?
The tomato soup provides the base sauce, but you could try cream of mushroom or cream of onion for a different flavor profile.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep the dish refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, the recipe is versatile; you can add corn, peas, or diced carrots to the beef mixture.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and uses convenient ingredients to speed up the preparation process.
Why should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef in this recipe.
How many cups of mashed potatoes are needed?
You will need 8 cups of mashed potatoes, prepared according to the package directions.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese makes it a popular choice for families and children.
How many cans of green beans are required?
The recipe requires 2 cans (16 ounces each) of green beans.
What size cans of tomato soup are used?
The recipe uses 2 cans (10 ounces each) of tomato soup.
Can I add spices to the beef?
Absolutely, the description encourages experimenting with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to suit your taste.
What is the layering order of the casserole?
The beef and bean mixture goes on the bottom, followed by a layer of mashed potatoes, and finished with shredded cheese on top.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
Specific nutritional values like calories and fat are not provided in this raw data.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but you should steam or thaw them before adding them to the beef mixture.
What makes this dish versatile?
Its versatility comes from the ability to swap proteins, vegetables, and sauces to create signature versions of the dish.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is cooked when it is browned all the way through with no pink remaining.
Can I use frozen mashed potatoes?
Yes, frozen mashed potatoes can be used as long as they are thawed and prepared to a creamy consistency before topping.