Cheesy Loaded Beef & Corn Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas & carrots)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Potato Layer
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and cube potatoes.
- Boil in salted water for 15–18 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain well.
- Mash with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook onions for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and brown completely.
- Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Add:
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Corn
- Mixed vegetables
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Cook for about 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Assemble
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer in this order:
- Beef mixture
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
Sprinkle parsley over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Stir in cream cheese to the potatoes for extra richness.
- Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts?
- No. This recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts.
Allergy Notes
Always check packaged ingredients (cheese, sour cream, butter, seasonings, canned vegetables) for possible cross-contamination if cooking for someone with a severe nut allergy.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Calcium: 30% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Variations
- Tex-Mex: Add black beans, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.
- Low-Carb: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Italian Style: Use marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Chicken Version: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes. Prepare them according to the package directions before layering.
Q: What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella provides a stretchy texture, while cheddar adds rich flavor. A blend of both works best.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.
Q: How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain canned tomatoes well, cook the beef mixture until thickened, and avoid adding excess liquid.
Q: Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from thawed, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans are all excellent choices.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if all canned products, seasonings, and dairy ingredients are certified gluten-free.
