Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Ground Beef in a Dill-icious Casserole

 

Here's a delicious recipe for a hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef with creamy dill-infused mashed potatoes!

 

Ingredients

For the beef layer:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk (more if needed)
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

   • Place potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
   • Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil.
   • Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain well and return to the pot.
   • Add butter, sour cream, milk, 2 tablespoons of the fresh dill, and garlic powder.
   • Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the beef filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
   • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
   • Stir in frozen peas and carrots.

4. Assemble the casserole:

   • Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
   • Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top, creating peaks with a fork.
   • Sprinkle with remaining dill and cheddar cheese if using.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
   • For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

6. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Dill-icious Casserole! The fresh dill adds a wonderful aromatic flavor that perfectly complements both the savory beef and creamy potatoes.