Hearty & Easy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Creamy Spinach and Mashed Potato Topping
Prepare to create a truly unforgettable meal with this incredible Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Spinach, made entirely from scratch! Imagine a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef and tender spinach, generously topped with a velvety layer of homemade mashed potatoes. A final flourish of cream cheese and breadcrumbs bakes into a golden, irresistibly crispy crust, adding a delightful texture contrast to every bite. This dish is not just delicious; it’s the epitome of comfort food, designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. It’s a fantastic choice for those busy weeknights when you need a simple yet fulfilling meal, especially since much of it can be prepared in advance. You’ll soon discover why this casserole becomes an instant family favorite!
The Ultimate Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Spinach
Casseroles are a true lifesaver for weeknight meals, and this Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Spinach exemplifies why. Their inherent ease and the ability to prepare them ahead of time make them a go-to for busy schedules. This recipe features a wonderfully flavorful ground beef and spinach filling, richly seasoned and nestled at the bottom of your baking dish. Layered generously on top is a thick, creamy blanket of homemade mashed potatoes. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! We then spread a layer of soft cream cheese, followed by a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs, creating an extraordinary crust that is both creamy and perfectly golden-brown when baked. The combination of textures – from the tender beef and spinach to the fluffy potatoes and the crunchy topping – makes every spoonful an absolute delight.
What makes this casserole even more appealing is its incredible versatility. It’s an excellent recipe for using up any leftover vegetables you might have in your fridge. Feel free to incorporate diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of sliced mushrooms or sweet corn into the ground beef and spinach filling. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add extra layers of flavor and texture, transforming the dish into something uniquely yours. You’ll be amazed at how well these simple customizations blend into the overall deliciousness. This is truly a dish that invites creativity and guarantees a satisfying meal every time!
Beyond its delicious taste, this casserole is packed with nutrients. Spinach is famously rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C and K, and a good source of iron, just like Popeye knew! Combined with the protein from ground beef and the energy from potatoes, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal for your entire family. It’s comfort food that you can feel good about serving.
Expert Tips for Casserole Perfection
- **Elevate the Filling:** For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider adding finely sliced mushrooms to the spinach and ground beef mixture. Sweet corn kernels also blend beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
- **Crucial Spinach Prep:** Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained. Excess moisture can make your casserole filling watery and less flavorful. If using fresh, sauté it first until wilted, then press out all the liquid. For frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- **Master the Make-Ahead:** This ground beef and spinach casserole is an ideal candidate for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. The next day, simply pop it into the oven. Remember to increase the baking time slightly to account for the chilled temperature – bake for approximately 35-40 minutes instead of the usual 30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.
- **Perfectly Cooked Potatoes:** To achieve a smooth and creamy mash, ensure your potatoes are cooked until they are fork-tender. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork without any resistance. This indicates they’re ready for mashing.
- **Creamy Mashed Potatoes:** For an exceptionally creamy and luxurious mashed potato topping, always incorporate warm milk and butter. The warmth helps the potatoes absorb the liquids better, resulting in a silkier texture.
- **Effortless Cream Cheese Spreading:** Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it. Bringing it to room temperature will make it much softer and easier to spread evenly over the mashed potatoes, ensuring a consistent, creamy layer.
- **Seasoning is Key:** Don’t forget to season each layer of your casserole! Salt and pepper are essential, but consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Italian seasoning to the ground beef mixture for enhanced flavor.
- **Crispier Topping:** For an even crunchier crust, you can mix a tablespoon of melted butter with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them over the cream cheese. This helps them toast to a beautiful golden brown.
- **Cheese Alternatives:** While cream cheese provides a unique creamy texture, you can also experiment with other cheeses. A sprinkle of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese can be added over the mashed potatoes for a different cheesy goodness.
- **Freezing Instructions:** If you wish to freeze this casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and bubbly.
More Easy Casserole Creations
Craving even more effortless and delicious casserole recipes? We’ve got you covered! For a delightful twist on comfort food, try this potato zucchini casserole with fish, offering a fresh take with smoked mackerel. Or perhaps a classic Dutch cream potato casserole with ground beef, known as “Aardappel Anders,” will hit the spot. For an unexpectedly hearty and flavorful option, this Italian Lasagna with Kale and Sausage promises a wonderfully surprising meal that will impress everyone at your table.
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📖 Recipe Card: Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Spinach
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Indulge in this incredibly comforting and easy-to-make Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Spinach. This homemade dish brings together a hearty, flavorful ground beef and spinach base, topped generously with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. A final layer of smooth cream cheese and crisp breadcrumbs bakes to a beautiful golden perfection, creating a delightful crust that truly makes this casserole shine. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly dinner recipe that’s simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crispy textures in every delicious bite!
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.2 lb potatoes, floury (e.g., Russet, Maris Piper)
- ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 1 onion, sliced finely
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb spinach, fresh or frozen, well-drained
- 1 oz. tomato paste
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 390 °F (200°C) or 350 °F (175°C) if using a fan-assisted oven.
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.2.2 lb potatoes
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Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm.½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons butter
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Drain the cooked potatoes well. Mash them until smooth, then gradually stir in the hot milk and butter mix until they are wonderfully creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat the sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and fry until translucent, about three minutes.1 tablespoon sunflower oil, 1 onion
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Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.1 oz. tomato paste
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.1 lb ground beef
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Add the well-drained spinach to the beef mixture and stir until it wilts and combines. If the mixture is still wet, continue to cook for a few more minutes until it dries out.1 lb spinach
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Spoon the ground beef and spinach mixture onto the bottom of a 9 × 13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
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Add the mashed potatoes on top of the filling and smoothen the surface evenly.
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Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the potatoes and then sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.4 oz. cream cheese, ½ cups breadcrumbs
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Bake for 30 minutes in the oven, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Notes
2. Ground Beef Variations: While lean ground beef offers a robust and delicious flavor profile for this casserole, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground pork can add a different richness, ground turkey or chicken provide a lighter, healthier alternative, and minced lamb can introduce a more unique, gamey taste. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the fat content of your chosen meat.
3. Spinach Preparation: Whether you opt for fresh or frozen spinach, proper preparation is key. If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in a large wok or frying pan until it fully wilts, then drain and squeeze out all excess water using a colander or clean kitchen towel. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s completely thawed before vigorously squeezing out as much liquid as possible. This step prevents a watery filling and ensures concentrated flavor. You can also swap spinach for other hearty greens like kale or collard greens, finely chopped.
4. Storage and Reheating Guidelines: Once this spinach casserole has been baked, it’s generally advised not to reheat it multiple times due to potential nitrate conversion in spinach. However, you can make the entire casserole a day in advance! Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, when you’re ready to bake, increase the oven time by approximately five to ten minutes (totaling 35-40 minutes) to ensure it’s heated through. Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated carefully, preferably in individual portions.
5. Adding More Vegetables: This casserole is incredibly forgiving and welcomes additional vegetables. Try sautéing diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers with the onion for extra color and nutrients. Sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth, while corn kernels bring a touch of sweetness.
6. Flavor Boosters: Don’t hesitate to enhance the flavor of your ground beef filling. A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste profile significantly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Nutrition
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