Barbecue Beef and Potato Bake

Wow...this was SO good! I've seen those containers of BBQ Beef a million times at the grocery store, and always wondered what they were for, or why people would buy them. Pulled BBQ isn't that difficult to make, and I assumed the pre-made stuff would be bland and nasty...WRONG! This was fabulous, and Jesse actually ate his entire serving! I was shocked that he ate it all cause I gave him such a comically large serving. Taking pictures of anything made in a casserole dish (and making it look somewhat decent) can be quite a challenge. Especially when it's not a solid piece of something. I removed a huge corner of this from the dish to give myself some room to maneuver my piece (the one I was photographing) out of the dish as neatly as possible. I placed the monster slab on Jesse's plate, and figured whatever he ate from it was fine. I NEVER expected him to wolf the whole thing down...and still have room for ice cream afterwards, lol! (That boy will always leave room for ice cream). Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this. I think the kids will love it, and it's so simple to throw together. In fact, I think I'll be making this while we're living out of our RV for a few days during the move. Not too many ingredients, quick to throw together, only 35 minutes of baking...perfect for the camper! Oh, and if you're wondering what the 'Container of refrigerated BBQ sauce with beef' looks like, it's this...

and the best pre-made mashed potatoes I've found are Diner's Choice

though not everyone carries them. I know our Wal-Mart doesn't have them...if that's the case, then the Country Crock potatoes will work just fine.

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'Barbecue Beef and Potato Bake'

Source: Adapted from Betty Crocker

1 container of pre-made mashed potatoes (Diners Choice or Country Crock)

1 container (18 or 20 ounces) refrigerated original barbecue sauce with shredded beef

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

1 cup French-fried onions

Heat oven to 350. Spray 8 × 8 baking dish with cooking spray. Make potatoes as directed on package. Spread half of the potatoes over bottom of baking dish. Layer with beef, 1 cup of the cheese and remaining potatoes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake about 30 minutes or until hot.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Sprinkle onions around edges of baking dish. Bake uncovered 3 to 4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and onions are brown.