Why Make This Recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that brings warmth to any table. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With its hearty flavors and diverse ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to get your daily servings of vegetables. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
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 the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Serve the Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s a one-dish wonder, so you can enjoy it right from the casserole!
How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Make your mashed potatoes ahead of time to save prep time.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans or bell peppers, to customize the dish.
- For a creamier top, stir in a little milk or cream into the mashed potatoes.
Variation
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. If you want to make it vegetarian, swap the meat for lentils or a hearty plant-based meat substitute.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just cook them slightly before adding them to the beef mixture to ensure they are tender.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or some garlic bread for added sides.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) Fresh vegetables can be substituted if desired.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
For the Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes) You can make mashed potatoes ahead of time.
- 2 tablespoons butter Dot on top of the mashed potatoes.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) Add for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assembly
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.