Cheesy Green Bean & Beef Mash Bake
This comforting casserole, affectionately known as 'The Mixture', brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and crisp green beans, all topped with a golden layer of cheese. Inspired by family gatherings, this dish layers flavors and textures in a delightful one-dish meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the harmony of comfort and nostalgia with every bite, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy family feast.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
1 1/3 lbs (Peeled and cut into chunks)
Milk
As needed (For mashing potatoes)
Butter
2 tablespoons (or to taste) (For mashing potatoes)
Onion
1 medium (Thinly sliced)
Frozen Green Beans
1 cup (To be boiled)
Processed American Cheese or Casserole Cheese
2-4 slices (Torn into chunks if using slices)
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (Browned)
Paprika
To taste (For sprinkling on top)
Breadcrumbs
Optional (For topping if desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the frozen green beans for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
4
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season to taste with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and any preferred spices.
5
Slice the onion thinly. In a sprayed casserole dish, layer the browned ground beef on the bottom, followed by half of the cheese and half of the sliced onions.
6
Add the boiled green beans on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining cheese and onions.
7
Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until creamy. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the casserole.
8
Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs on top, followed by a dusting of paprika.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you prepared this in advance, allow for additional baking time.
10
Serve hot, enjoy the layers of flavor, and perhaps add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Green Bean & Beef Mash Bake?
This is a comforting one-dish casserole that layers potatoes, ground beef, and green beans with cheese, affectionately known as 'The Mixture'.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground beef.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain the excess fat before layering.
What seasonings are suggested for the beef?
You can season the beef with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and any other preferred spices to taste.
How many potatoes should I use?
Use 1 1/3 lbs of potatoes for the mash topping.
How long should the potatoes be boiled?
Boil the peeled and cut potato chunks for 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
How do I make the mashed potato topping?
Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until they reach a creamy consistency.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of frozen green beans.
How long do the green beans need to cook?
Boil the frozen green beans for about 5 minutes until tender before draining them.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using processed American cheese or a specific casserole cheese.
How much cheese should be used?
Use 2-4 slices of cheese, or more if desired for the layers and topping.
How is the onion prepared?
One medium onion should be thinly sliced for the internal layers.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer is the browned ground beef placed on the bottom of a sprayed casserole dish.
How many layers of cheese and onion are there?
The cheese and onions are divided into two layers: one over the beef and another over the green beans.
When do I add the green beans to the dish?
Add the boiled green beans after the first layer of cheese and onions.
Is there a crunchy topping?
Yes, breadcrumbs are an optional addition to the top of the casserole for extra texture.
Why is paprika included in the recipe?
Paprika is dusted on top of the mashed potatoes for color and a touch of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time; just be sure to increase the baking time when you are ready to cook it.
How much butter is needed for the potatoes?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter, but you can adjust this to your taste.
Is milk required for this recipe?
Yes, milk is used as needed to help mash the potatoes to a creamy consistency.
What category does this meal fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I add fresh herbs to this dish?
Yes, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving is recommended for a touch of color.
Is the casserole dish prepared in any special way?
The instructions recommend using a sprayed casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you could theoretically use other ground meats like turkey or pork.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' suitable for weeknight family dinners.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
The dish is inspired by family gatherings and designed to provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
What do I do if I want a more golden top?
The combination of cheese, breadcrumbs, and paprika, baked at 400°F, will naturally create a golden brown crust.