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
Scale
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
