Bring a hearty dose of comfort to the dinner table with this classic Shepherd’s Pie Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef or lamb, tender veggies, and a rich savory sauce are topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and melty cheddar. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out—perfect for family dinners or chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Variation
- Swap ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add a layer of creamed corn between the meat and mashed potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
- Use sweet potato mash instead of regular mashed potatoes for a unique flavor twist.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Simmering the filling before baking helps develop deep, savory flavor.
- For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a warm dinner roll to soak up every bite of the savory gravy.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a cozy mug of herbal tea.
Tips
- Prep the meat filling a day ahead and refrigerate just top with mashed potatoes and bake when ready.
- Use a fork to texture the mashed potato topping before baking it helps create golden, crispy peaks.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great lunch the next day.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. -
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. -
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, if you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes will work just fine—just make sure they’re thick enough to spread nicely.
Conclusion
This Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a cozy classic that brings everyone to the table. With its rich meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving for warmth and flavor. Whether you serve it for a weeknight meal or a Sunday family dinner, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite!
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Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Bring a hearty dose of comfort to the dinner table with this classic Shepherd’s Pie Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef or lamb, tender veggies, and a rich savory sauce are topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and melty cheddar. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out perfect for family dinners or chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Add corn or green beans for extra texture and variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Shepherd’s pie, casserole, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food