Hearty Savory Beef and Potato Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty beef and potato bake delivers pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Rustic ingredients meld together creating a mouthwatering symphony of rich flavors and textures.

Home cooks adore this satisfying dish that feels simultaneously elegant and homey.

Familiar culinary techniques combine with simple, quality components to craft an irresistible meal.

Robust and filling, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking genuine nourishment.

A perfect balance of tender meat and creamy potatoes makes this bake an instant crowd-pleaser.

You can find this versatile recipe works wonderfully for casual weeknight dinners or special weekend gatherings.

Explore this delicious creation that celebrates the magic of honest, unpretentious cooking.

Beef and Potato Bake That Feels Like Comfort Food

• A hearty, satisfying dish that wraps you in warmth with its rich beef base and creamy mashed potato topping, perfect for chilly evenings and hungry families.
• Combines multiple ingredients into a single, delicious meal that balances savory ground beef, sweet vegetables, and cheesy potato layers with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Simple cooking method that requires basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want a nutritious, filling meal without complicated techniques.
• Flexible recipe that allows easy vegetable swaps, can accommodate different meat preferences, and appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.

Everything You Need for This Hearty Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the hearty base of the dish, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for optimal flavor.
• Carrots, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Potatoes: Creamy, starchy base for the topping that provides comforting texture and substance.
• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter: Dairy ingredients that make the mashed potatoes smooth and rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the potato layer.

• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight acidity to the beef base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex, umami flavor to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for the meat mixture.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Herbaceous seasonings that complement the beef's flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a more cohesive filling.
• Corn, Peas: Sweet vegetables that add color and texture to the meat layer.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides a golden, crispy finish.

How to Layer and Bake This Family Dish

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

• Potatoes
• Cold water
• Salt

Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Add salt and simmer until potatoes become tender, around 12-15 minutes. Drain completely and return to pot. Cover and let steam for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mash

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix sour cream, milk, butter, parmesan, salt, and pepper into potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook Beef Mixture

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Carrots
• Onions

Heat skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef with carrots, onions, salt, and pepper until meat turns brown and vegetables soften. Drain excess fat, keeping about 1/4 cup in pan.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• All-purpose flour

Add garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

Step 5: Create Savory Sauce

• Beef broth
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Pour beef broth into skillet. Add thyme and rosemary. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 8 minutes.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

• Corn
• Peas

Stir corn and peas into beef mixture. Transfer to oven-safe baking dish if needed.

Step 7: Assemble Casserole

• Mashed potatoes
• Cheddar cheese

Spread mashed potatoes evenly over beef mixture. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake casserole for 35 minutes until bubbling and edges turn golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips for Even Baking and Bold Flavor

• Potato Perfection: Rinse potatoes in cold water before boiling to remove excess starch, ensuring a creamier mashed potato topping.
• Fat Management: Drain most of the beef fat, but keep a small amount for enhanced flavor and moisture in the dish.
• Herb Enhancement: Crush dried thyme and rosemary between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and maximize flavor.
• Cheese Crispiness: Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delightful texture.
• Flavor Layering: Let the beef mixture rest for 5 minutes before topping with mashed potatoes to allow flavors to meld and prevent soggy results.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled beef and potato bake to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warming.

What to Serve With This Beef and Potato Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich beef flavors, cutting through the creamy potato topping with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the hearty casserole, balancing the dish's richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: An amber ale or stout enhances the savory beef and brings out the herbs' depth, creating a satisfying comfort food experience.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots add extra vegetable complexity and provide a caramelized texture alongside the main dish.

Creative Spins on the Traditional Recipe

• Shepherd's Comfort: Replace ground beef with ground lamb for a classic British-style shepherd's pie. Swap out cheddar for sharp Irish cheese to enhance the traditional flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey and add crumbled feta cheese. Mix in chopped spinach and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version of the casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Use ground chorizo instead of beef. Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Top the mashed potatoes with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Hearty Bowl: Replace ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Keep the vegetable mix and seasonings the same. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free option.

Beef and Potato Bake FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or lamb work great as alternatives to beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• How do I store leftovers?

Cover the beef and potato bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate before baking. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem. Dried thyme and rosemary work perfectly. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones.

Savory Beef And Potato Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef and Potato Bake brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining rich ground beef with creamy potato layers. Melted cheese and herbs crown this satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness for you at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 ½ cups beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• ¾ cup onion, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup carrots, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup frozen corn kernels
• ½ cup frozen peas

Seasonings, Dairy, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ teaspoons salt (divided use)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
• ¼ cup flour (gluten-free if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cheddar cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare potatoes by submerging in cold water, ensuring they are completely covered. Apply heat until water reaches a rolling boil, then reduce temperature and incorporate a pinch of salt.
2. Cook potatoes until fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes. Carefully drain water and allow potatoes to release remaining moisture through steam.
3. Transform potatoes into a creamy mixture by incorporating dairy elements like sour cream, milk, and butter. Integrate parmesan for depth of flavor, seasoning with salt and pepper until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Warm a skillet over medium temperature, introducing ground beef along with diced carrots and onions. Cook thoroughly until meat loses its raw appearance and vegetables soften.
5. Eliminate excess fatty liquid, reserving a small amount for enhanced flavor. Introduce minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, then dust with flour to create a robust base.
6. Pour beef broth into the skillet, sprinkling thyme and rosemary for aromatic complexity. Allow mixture to simmer and thicken, developing rich flavors.
7. Fold corn and peas into the meat mixture, distributing evenly throughout the sauce.
8. Transfer the savory meat mixture into a baking vessel, creating an even layer as the foundation.
9. Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes across the meat, creating a smooth, consistent topping.
10. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the potato layer for a golden, crispy finish.
11. Place in a preheated oven and bake until edges turn golden brown and the interior bubbles with intense flavor, approximately 35 minutes.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Boil potatoes in cold water with salt to ensure even cooking and prevent mushy texture.
• Steaming Secret: Let drained potatoes steam to achieve a lighter, fluffier mashed potato topping.
• Meat Magic: Cook ground beef with vegetables to develop rich, deep flavors before adding liquid ingredients.
• Sauce Technique: Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw taste and create a thicker, more robust sauce.
• Cheese Finale: Sprinkle cheddar on top for a golden, crispy crust that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Oven Timing: Bake until edges are brown and filling is bubbling to guarantee a deliciously melded casserole.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 313
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 546 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg