Description
Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon and crunchy French fried onions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pound russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, chop when cool, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the evaporated milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of the chopped bacon and set aside.
- In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the corn, garlic, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef layer. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and French fried onions.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy this cowboy-approved feast!
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef. You can also use low-fat evaporated milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg