Hearty Cottage Pie Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort?

Ever feel like you need a hug from the inside out? Honestly, sometimes I do. That's when I crave proper comfort food casserole , and what's better than a warm, hearty ground beef casserole ? This recipe is like a classic cottage pie casserole , but easier.

You're going to love it!

What's This Casserole All About?

This beef casserole recipe is a British classic, reimagined. It's basically a shepherd's pie deconstructed and made super simple. Think flavourful minced beef casserole topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden.

It's easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for Sunday lunch. This recipe makes 6-8 servings. This easy dish takes 1 hour 15 minutes to make, with 30 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cook time.

Why You'll Adore This Ground Beef Casserole

Honestly, this dish isn't just tasty, it's packed with protein and hidden veggies. Win-win! Plus, it is a great way to use up leftover veggies.

This ground beef casserole is perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. What makes it special? It's the perfect balance of savoury, creamy, and comforting.

It's a classic that everyone will love! Let's get started with the ingredients for this beef and potato casserole .

Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Ground Beef Casserole

Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Making a proper ground beef casserole , or what I sometimes call a cheffy cottage pie casserole , starts with having the right bits and bobs.

Honestly, having everything prepped before you start cooking makes life so much easier. Trust me, I've been there, flapping about like a headless chicken trying to find the thyme while the beef burns!

Main Ingredients for This Beef Casserole Recipe

Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, I've included both US and metric measurements, because why not?

For the Lush Beef Filling:

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Quality olive oil gives a richness to the base.
• Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Brown it until it's properly softened.
• Carrots: 2 , finely diced (about 1 cup/130g ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced (about 1 cup/100g ). This is the base flavour everyone loves.
• Ground beef : 1 lb ( 450g ), 80/20 blend if you can get it. The little bit of fat gives it loads of flavour.
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp .
• Dried rosemary: 1 tsp .
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp . Honestly, this elevates the flavour.
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ). This helps to thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth: 1 cup ( 240ml ).
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can ( 411g ). You can use diced if that's all you have.
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ). Don't skip this!
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp .
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Fluffy Potato Topping:

• Russet potatoes: 2 lbs ( 900g ), peeled and quartered. Russets give the best, fluffiest mash.
• Milk: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ), warmed. Warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds for a smoother texture.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp ( 56g ), softened.
• Sour cream: 1/4 cup ( 60g ).
• Salt and white pepper: To taste.
• Cheddar cheese: 2 oz ( 56g ), shredded (optional).

Seasoning Notes for your Easy Casserole Recipes

Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo with beef. Honestly, it's a match made in heaven. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth.

Don't be shy with the Worcestershire sauce! For a flavour boost, you can add a bay leaf to the beef filling while it simmers.

Remember to remove it before serving!

Equipment Needed for this Beef and Potato Casserole

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For browning the beef.
• Potato ricer or masher. Essential for smooth mash.
• 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish. A perfect size for a comfort food casserole .
• Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula.

If you haven't got a potato ricer, don't stress. A masher will do just fine! For the skillet, you can use a large frying pan.

There you have it, all the ingredients and equipment you need to get started on the ground beef recipes . It's all about layers of flavor and a bit of love, which will get you a proper classic casserole recipes .

Now, let's get cooking!

Let's Get Casserole ing!

Alright, love, ever have one of those days where you just crave something proper comforting? Honestly, for me, that's every day! That's why I'm sharing my go-to ground beef casserole recipe, or as I like to call it, a "cheffy" cottage pie casserole .

We’re talking next level comfort food casserole status! It’s kinda like a warm hug from your Nan, but with a few little tweaks to make it extra special.

Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss

Time to get organised! First, chop your onion, carrots, and celery . I like to dice 'em small for even cooking.

Next, get your spices ready: thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Have your beef broth, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste measured out too.

For the potatoes, peel and quarter them. Warm your milk and soften your butter . This little bit of prep is the essential mise en place .

Believe me, it'll save you so much time later. A little organization can avoid you to cut a finger. Be careful with your knives!.

Crafting Your Ground Beef Masterpiece: step-by-step

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 8- 10 minutes.
2. Add 1 lb ground beef . Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any grease, nobody wants a greasy beef casserole recipe!.
3. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour . Cook for 1 minute, stirring.
5. Slowly whisk in 1 cup beef broth , scraping the pan bottom. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Simmer.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes , stirring. Season with salt and pepper.
7. While the beef simmers, boil your potatoes until tender, about 15- 20 minutes . Mash with warm milk, butter, and sour cream.
8. Assemble! Pour the beef into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden.

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Honestly, browning the beef properly is key. Don't rush it! A good sear adds so much flavor to your minced beef casserole .

One common mistake? Overworking the mashed potatoes. Be gentle to avoid them becoming gluey.

Want to get ahead? The beef filling can be made a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge.

You can even get fancy with the beef and potato casserole by adding some cheese on top for the last 5 minutes of baking.

It's a fantastic spin on the classic casserole recipes . Serve it with a nice side salad. Sorted! The final product can be a shepherd's pie

Is it good? You betcha!

So there you have it. My absolute favourite easy casserole recipes . Get ready to dive into a ground beef casserole that will blow your mind! Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking, my friends!

Recipe Notes for Your Bangin' Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, so you're about to dive into making this epic ground beef casserole. Let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make sure it's absolutely spot-on.

Honestly, sometimes the little things make all the difference, you know? This cottage pie casserole is seriously going to impress!

Making it Look Good: Plating and Presentation

Let’s be real. We eat with our eyes first! For plating, try scooping a generous portion of the comfort food casserole into a bowl.

A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of freshness.

What to Serve on the Side?

This beef and potato casserole is super hearty, so keep the sides simple. Steamed green beans or a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette work wonders.

Got some crusty bread? Perfect for soaking up all that yummy sauce from the minced beef casserole !

Cracking Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers are the best, aren't they?

• Fridge Rules : If you have leftovers of this easy casserole recipes , let the ground beef casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and bung it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing Fun : Wanna freeze it? No worries! Portion it into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months. Make sure you label it with the date, so you remember when you made it.
• Reheating 101 : To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then, whack it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or, you can microwave it in bursts, stirring occasionally.

Playing Around: Variations on a Theme

Fancy mixing things up? Here’s what I found creating the beef casserole recipe :

• dairy-free Dream : Swap out the milk and sour cream in the potato topping for a dairy-free alternative. Honestly, you won’t even notice the difference!
• Seasonal Swaps : In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash or sweet potato to the filling. It adds a lovely sweetness to the ground beef recipes .

Nifty Nutrition Basics

Okay, let’s keep it real simple. Each serving of this classic casserole recipes packs a decent punch of protein from the ground beef, which is ace for building and repairing muscles.

The potatoes give you some carbs for energy. It’s a balanced meal, but remember to enjoy it as part of a healthy diet.

And there you have it! A beef casserole recipe that is a real winner! I hope you have a fun time creating your shepherd's pie masterpiece! Don't worry, be happy and good luck!