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

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and cube potatoes.
2. Boil in salted water for 15–18 minutes until fork tender.
3. Drain well.
4. Mash with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

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Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Cook onions for 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and brown completely.
5. Drain excess grease.

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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.

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Step 4: Assemble

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer in this order:

1. Beef mixture
2. Creamy mashed potatoes
3. Mozzarella
4. Cheddar

Sprinkle parsley over the top.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.