Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic perfect for any weeknight dinner. This easy casserole version combines savory ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes on top to completely cover the filling.
8. Step 8: Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if you like.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on traditional flavor.
• For extra richness, stir a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
• Feel free to swap ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for different taste profiles.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or thyme to the beef mixture for added depth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This prevents the top from drying out while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just chop and cook the vegetables in the skillet until tender before adding the other ingredients.

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 76 reviews

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole combines seasoned ground beef and mixed vegetables in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to prevent greasiness in the dish.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer the Mixture: Allow the beef and vegetable mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the simmered beef mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
7. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture to cover it completely.
8. Add Butter and Cheese: Dot the mashed potato layer with butter for richness and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if using, for a deliciously melted cheesy crust.
9. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s hot and cooked through.
10. Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
• Feel free to add Worcestershire sauce gradually to adjust the tanginess to your liking.
• For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduce butter or omit the cheese topping.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food, baked mashed potatoes, easy dinner