Why Make This Recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the hearty flavors of ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe is a favorite because it combines staple ingredients that many of us already have at home. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup!
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 ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 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 it 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 Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also garnish each serving with fresh herbs like parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it before baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker preparation.
- Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or lamb for a unique flavor.
- Add spices like thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste of the filling.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. This keeps the dish satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver and can be used instead of homemade mashed potatoes.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and the mashed potatoes a day ahead. Just assemble them in the casserole dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-dish meal combining ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 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 it 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.
Notes
You can use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker preparation. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or hearty vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
