This casserole is similar to Shepherd's Pie. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that tastes a lot like a salisbury steak in a thick gravy with diced tomatoes and cheesy mashed potatoes.
1 T. olive or vegetable oil
2 lb. lean ground beef
1 c. chopped yellow onion
16 oz. cremini mushrooms, cut into quarters
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 t. dried thyme
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
10.5 oz. can condensed French onion soup
1 c. beef stock/broth
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. red wine vinegar
1/4 t. garlic powder
3 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes
4 T. butter, softened
1 c. warmed milk
1 1/2 c. shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
Heat oil in a 12" cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; add ground beef, onion and mushrooms, breaking ground beef up while it's cooking. Cook until beef is browned and onion and mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper and thyme; cook 1 minute. Stir flour into mixture; cook 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes, French onion soup, beef stock/broth, parsley, vinegar and garlic powder; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, peel potatoes; cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; place in a pot; cover with water; add a few teaspoons of salt to the water; bring to a boil; simmer until potatoes are soft. Drain potatoes; add butter, milk and cheese; mash potatoes until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to broil.
Spread potatoes on top of beef mixture. Place in oven; broil for about 3 - 5 minutes.
6 servings.