Loaded Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole

Name: Loaded Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tbsp butter; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup corn kernels; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese; 1 cup crispy fried onions; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

A loaded cowboy mashed potato casserole combines savory ground beef and vegetables with bacon-infused mashed potatoes, two cheeses, and crispy fried onions for a hearty shepherd's pie twist.

🌍American 🏷️Cowboy casserole 🏷️Mashed potato casserole 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Casserole Comfort food

🏷️

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TikTok

Total

50 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$34–$56

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp butter
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup crispy fried onions
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Boil cubed potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
2
Add butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and mash until mostly smooth.
3
Stir in the evaporated milk and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined and set aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
6
Stir in the corn, minced garlic, paprika, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
9
Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the beef layer.
10
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, the remaining crumbled bacon, shredded pepper jack cheese, and crispy fried onions.
11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
12
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook bacon until fully crisp, then crumble and divide it—use half mixed into mashed potatoes and reserve half for garnish to maximize bacon flavor throughout and on top.
Mash potatoes while still warm and stir in evaporated milk gradually to avoid lumps; use a ricer or food mill for the smoothest texture.
Brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles (2–3 minutes); drain excess fat to prevent a greasy filling.
Arrange the filling in an even layer before topping with potatoes; uneven distribution leads to some spots undercooked while others overbake.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground turkey or ground lamb (use the same weight; turkey will be slightly leaner)
Evaporated milk → heavy cream or whole milk (use the same volume; cream will yield richer potatoes)
Corn kernels → diced carrots, peas, or green beans (maintain 1 cup volume; adjust cooking time if using raw harder vegetables)
Crispy fried onions → panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (adds crunch but less onion flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave portions at 50% power until warm.

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish · potato ricer (optional but recommended for smooth potatoes)

Common Questions

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Build the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.

What's the best way to get crispy fried onions on top?

Sprinkle fried onions in the last 5–10 minutes of baking so they stay crispy; adding them earlier will soften them.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes. Use thawed frozen corn; no need to cook it separately. Drain excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the potatoes?

Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions at 50% power until warm.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13 and a 8×8 baking dish or two 9×13 dishes. Increase beef to 2 lbs and potatoes to 5 lbs; bake time may increase by 10–15 minutes.

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