why make this recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together hearty flavors and satisfying textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want something easy and delicious. The combination of ground beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover mashed potatoes if you have any!
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).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mix simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens a little.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling.
- Dot the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake 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 the Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole warm from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a cozy touch, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
You can store leftover Shepherd’s Pie Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot or microwave for individual portions.
tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- If you want to save time, use store-bought mashed potatoes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just chop them and cook them a little longer until they are tender.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Make sure it’s in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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 For topping
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mix simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens a little.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling.
- Dot the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
