Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Delicious Comfort in One Dish

Ever been hit by a craving for hearty comfort food that warms you from the inside out? Picture this: a creamy layer of mashed potatoes blanketing a savory beef filling, bubbling away in the oven. Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! Quick to prepare, delightful to serve, and oh-so-perfect for those cozy nights at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you be excited to whip up this shepherd’s pie? Here are a couple of reasons:

• One-Pan Wonder: Who doesn’t love a recipe that combines everything in a single dish? Less cleanup means more time for binge-watching your favorite show!
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, this dish is perfect for families or anyone needing to stretch their grocery budget. 🍽️

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics:

• 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

Getting this delicious casserole ready is easier than you think! Just follow these steps:

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

How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole (Overview)

This dish is basically layering goodness! First, you brown the beef, then add those colorful veggies. A quick simmer, and voilà! Pour the filling into a dish and smother it in creamy mashed potatoes. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! Top it all with butter and cheese, and bake until golden. Easy peasy!

How to Serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Serve this warm, fresh out of the oven. Just picture it: golden mashed potato peaks contrasting against the rich, savory filling. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, or a crisp side salad for crunch. The aroma? Pure comfort! 😍

How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Got leftovers? No sweat! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Want to make it ahead? You can prep this dish and freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly — dinner’s ready in no time!

Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

• Use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them; this speeds up assembly and reduces waste.
• Swap ground beef for turkey or lentils for a healthier version if you’re watching calories.
• Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Just don’t blame me if your taste buds start dancing!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? How about a sweet potato topping instead of traditional mashed potatoes? It adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely color. Or, for a veggie twist, substitute the beef with mushroom or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian version!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is tender.

2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the butter and cheese, and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the mashed potatoes.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate before baking. You can even freeze it before baking for a future meal.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole

A hearty and budget-friendly casserole with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and a savory beef filling, perfect for cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Beef Filling

• 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

Mashed Potatoes

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

Method

 

Preparation

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

Notes

Use leftover mashed potatoes to speed up assembly. You can substitute ground beef with turkey or lentils for a healthier option. Add red pepper flakes for some heat!