Description
This comforting Before Payday Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty meal perfect for feeding a family of four. Featuring a savory ground meat and vegetable base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for using pantry staples, it satisfies cravings while being quick to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetable Mixture
- 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
Finishing Touch
- 2 cups sliced or shredded white or yellow cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set the dish aside to prepare your ingredients.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Meat and Vegetables: Add the tomato purée, drained corn kernels, and drained green beans to the bowl with the cooked ground meat. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and set this mixture aside.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: In a separate large bowl, mix the dried potato flakes with boiling water, sour cream, and unsalted butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the meat-vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spread the prepared mashed potato topping evenly over the meat mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded or sliced cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious, filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork according to preference or dietary needs.
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a creamier potato topping, add a splash of milk or cream when mixing the potato flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to drain the canned vegetables well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
