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Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a classic favorite with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, enhancing the flavor base.
  4. Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet mixture.
  5. Simmer the filling: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and all ingredients are well combined.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer this flavorful beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Add mashed potatoes topping: Evenly spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture to fully cover it, creating a smooth topping layer.
  8. Finish with butter and cheese: Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with butter pieces and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over, if desired, to add richness and color.
  9. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s fully cooked and ready to serve.

Notes

  • You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time or use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans based on preference.
  • To save time, use store-bought pre-made mashed potatoes but ensure they are seasoned well.
  • The cheddar cheese topping is optional; Parmesan or mozzarella are good substitutes if preferred.

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, casserole, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, baked dish

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/easy-shepherds-pie-casserole-recipe/