Description
A hearty and budget-friendly casserole combining seasoned ground meat with tomato purée, corn, and green beans, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that uses simple pantry staples and provides comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (ground turkey, chicken, or pork can also be used)
- 1 28-ounce can tomato purée
- 1 (about 14.75 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (about 14.50 ounce) can green beans, drained
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 1/3 cups dried potato flakes (or instant mashed potatoes)
- 3 1/3 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups sliced or shredded white or yellow cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Meat: In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, seasoning it generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Vegetables: Add the tomato purée, drained corn kernels, and drained green beans into the bowl containing the cooked meat. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Set aside this mixture.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Topping: In a separate large bowl, mix the dried potato flakes with the boiling water, then add the full-fat sour cream and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon and spread the creamy mashed potato mixture over the meat layer, creating a smooth topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the shredded or sliced cheddar cheese over the mashed potato topping, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork to vary the protein.
- For a creamier mashed potato topping, consider adding a splash of milk or cream.
- To add extra flavor, mix in chopped onions or garlic with the meat while cooking.
- Use gluten-free dried potato flakes to make this dish gluten-free if necessary.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
