Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

why make this recipe

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is warm, simple, and filling. It uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand. It makes a good weeknight dinner or a dish to share with family. For another simple comfort meal idea, try this beef hash brown casserole: beef hash brown casserole.

introduction

This recipe mixes seasoned ground beef with veggies and a soft mashed potato top. It cooks in one dish and tastes like home. You can change small things to fit your taste. If you need quick meal ideas for busy mornings, see these easy breakfast ideas.

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 :

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

Cook the beef and onions until brown. Add garlic, vegetables, and flavorings. Let the filling thicken a little on the stove. Move the filling to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top. Add butter and cheese, then bake until the top looks golden.

how to serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Cut into squares and serve warm. This dish goes well with a simple green salad or steamed greens. A glass of cold milk or a light drink pairs well. Let it rest 5 minutes so the filling holds its shape.

how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Put leftovers in an airtight container or cover the dish with foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

• Use hot mashed potatoes so they spread easily and bake well. For more quick ideas, see these easy breakfast ideas.
• Taste the filling and adjust salt and pepper before adding the potatoes.
• Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
• If you like a thicker filling, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the simmering filling.
• Use a fork to make small ridges in the mashed potatoes so they brown nicely.

variation (if any)

• Use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie taste.
• Swap mixed vegetables for mushrooms, green beans, or peas only.
• Top with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for more aroma.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Cook the poultry fully and season well. The bake time stays similar.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, add a few extra minutes if cold.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For a full dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20 minutes.

Q: Can I skip the cheese?
A: Yes. The cheese is optional and only adds a golden top and extra flavor.

Conclusion

If you want another take on a classic shepherd’s pie, see this recipe for The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie – The Wholesome Dish.

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

This Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole is a warm, simple, and filling dish made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a soft mashed potato topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the beef filling

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) Substitute with fresh vegetables if desired.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth Use low-sodium broth for less salt.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to preference.

For the mashed potato topping

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes) Use hot mashed potatoes for easy spreading.
• 2 tablespoons butter Dot on top for extra richness.
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) For a golden top.

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.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish goes well with a simple green salad or steamed greens. Let it rest 5 minutes so the filling holds its shape.