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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Paprika for sprinkling (optional)
The Method: 10 Minutes to Oven
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish (or a 2-quart casserole dish).
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. If using frozen peas and carrots, stir them in now.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5: Top with Potatoes
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the beef. Use a spatula to smooth the top, then create little peaks with a fork (they’ll get crispy and delicious).
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and Parmesan over the potatoes. Dust with paprika if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set.
Pro-Tips for Casserole Perfection
1. Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is made for leftover mashed potatoes. If you’re making fresh, boil and mash while the beef cooks.
2. Instant Potatoes Work in a Pinch
No shame! Instant mashed potatoes are a perfectly fine shortcut. Prepare according to package directions.
3. Don’t Skip the Gravy Step
The flour and broth create a rich gravy that keeps the beef moist and flavorful. Worth the extra minute.
4. Create Texture on Top
Those fork peaks in the potatoes get wonderfully crispy in the oven. Don’t smooth them completely flat.
5. Let It Rest
That 5-minute rest allows the casserole to set so you get clean servings, not a soupy mess.
6. Make It Your Own
See variations below—this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
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