Before Payday Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t break the bank or demand hours in the kitchen, the Before Payday Casserole Recipe is an absolute lifesaver. This dish brings together simple pantry staples—ground beef, tomato purée, canned veggies, and instant mashed potatoes—into a warm, cheesy casserole everyone will love. It’s perfect for those days when you want something filling and delicious without fuss, and it fills the home with that irresistible scent of baked comfort food that makes you feel instantly cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Before Payday Casserole Recipe lies in how these straightforward ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a robust and satisfying dish. Each item plays a distinct role, whether it’s adding richness, texture, or that bright pop of flavor that makes every bite memorable.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, providing a meaty, savory base—feel free to swap with turkey, chicken, or pork for a twist.
- Tomato purée (28-ounce can): Brings a rich, tangy depth that ties the layers together beautifully.
- Corn kernels (about 14.75-ounce can, drained): Adds a sweet crunch that brightens the texture and flavor.
- Green beans (about 14.50-ounce can, drained): Offers a tender, vegetal element that balances the richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Dried potato flakes (3 1/3 cups): The base for creamy instant mashed potatoes, bringing that comforting, fluffy layer on top.
- Boiling water (3 1/3 cups): Hydrates the potato flakes for that perfect mash consistency.
- Full-fat sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely tang and creaminess to the mashed potatoes, making them extra luscious.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons): Brings richness and smoothness to balance the tangy sour cream.
- Sliced or shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Creates a golden, melty topping that makes this casserole utterly irresistible.
How to Make Before Payday Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a hassle-free cleanup later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
Next, cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, seasoning it generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as it browns. This step unlocks deep, meaty flavor that forms the foundation of your casserole. When fully cooked, transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix in the Vegetables
To your bowl of cooked ground beef, add the tomato purée, drained corn, and green beans. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—this blend of ingredients brings a hearty, colorful, and swoon-worthy filling that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the dried potato flakes with boiling water, then stir in the room temperature sour cream and butter. Season this creamy mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This mash topping will be the luscious, velvety blanket that crowns your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Then gently layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out so they cover every corner. This layering guarantees every bite has the perfect balance of savory filling and creamy topping.
Step 6: Bake and Add Cheese
Cover your casserole tightly with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling with hot, delicious goodness. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded or sliced cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbly finish that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then dive right in with a warm plate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, a heartwarming meal that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Before Payday Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Before Payday Casserole Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. These add a pop of color and a fresh note that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy layers. For a little extra zing, a dollop of sour cream on the side works wonders.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables makes for a lovely contrast in textures and keeps the meal feeling balanced. A crusty piece of bread is perfect if you’re craving something to soak up every last bit of that cheesy, tomatoey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets. Layer in extra cheese or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky finish. You can even top portions with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to elevate the experience when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, tuck away any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, this dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for next-day meals or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
The Before Payday Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully! To save for later, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can revive the casserole’s gooey charm.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and keeps the dish lighter. Just adjust your seasoning as these meats are milder, so you might want to add a bit more salt or pepper.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The tomato purée and veggies will still provide great flavor and texture, making this casserole perfect for vegetarians.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
You can, but remember to cook or blanch fresh corn and green beans before adding them to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and you maintain the right texture.
How can I make the mashed potato topping creamier?
For extra creamy mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream while mixing with the potato flakes. Make sure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth blend.
What can I serve with this casserole to make it a bigger meal?
Add a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. Consider a light dessert like fresh fruit to balance the richness afterward.
Final Thoughts
The Before Payday Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen champion when you need something delicious, comforting, and budget-friendly. Its straightforward prep and everyday ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike. Give this recipe a try and you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved classic that feels like a warm hug in a dish—comfort food done right without breaking the bank.
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Before Payday Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and budget-friendly casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy Before Payday Casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner using pantry staples.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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 and 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
- 2 cups sliced or shredded white or yellow cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet or pan over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Season the meat with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Once done, transfer the cooked meat to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Vegetables: Add the tomato purée, drained corn kernels, and drained green beans to the bowl with the cooked meat. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Mixture: In another large bowl, combine the dried potato flakes with boiling water, stirring until the flakes absorb the liquid and the mixture becomes smooth. Stir in the room temperature sour cream and unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon and spread the mashed potato mixture over the top of the meat-vegetable layer to create a uniform topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the sliced or shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and started to brown slightly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving. Dish out warm servings and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- If you prefer a thicker or creamier mashed potato topping, adjust the amount of water to suit your desired consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or garlic while cooking the meat.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free potato flakes if you require a gluten-free meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
