Why Make This Recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish that makes cleanup simple. You can prepare it in under an hour, making it a great choice when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the beef with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading them to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if you’re using it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Serve the casserole warm right out of the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Each serving can be garnished with fresh herbs, like parsley, for an extra touch.
How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
If you have leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- For extra flavor, you can add your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a slightly spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy, which helps create a nice contrast with the savory beef filling.
Variation
You can make this recipe with lamb instead of beef for a traditional shepherd’s pie. Additionally, you can use different vegetables based on your preference or what you have in your fridge, such as green beans or bell peppers.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used if you are short on time. Just follow the instructions on the package for preparation.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and opt for gluten-free beef broth.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve.
Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
- 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
- to taste Salt and pepper
Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes) Ensure they are creamy.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) For a cheesy topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the beef with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading them to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if you’re using it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.