introduction
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a warm, simple dinner you can make any night. It mixes ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes into one dish. It cooks fast and feeds a family. For more ideas on easy casseroles, see this guide: Casserole Magic: Your Guide to Easy Baking.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, filling, and uses basic ingredients you likely have at home. It is great for busy nights and for using leftover mashed potatoes. It also freezes well and reheats easily. If you need other quick dinner ideas, try these: 10 Ridiculously Easy Dinner Ideas Ready in Min.
how to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Follow the steps below. Work in simple moves: cook the beef, mix the filling, top with mashed potatoes, then bake. The full directions are listed below.
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 oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven 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
Cut into squares and serve hot. A simple green salad or steamed green beans go well on the side. Spoon a little gravy or ketchup if you like extra sauce.
how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave single servings.
tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Brown the beef well for more flavor.
- Drain fat so the filling is not too greasy.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Add a splash of milk to mashed potatoes if they feel dry.
- For a smoother top, pipe or spread mashed potatoes evenly.
Find more simple recipe tips here: 5 Simple Recipes: Your Go-To Guide for Easy Dishes.
variation (if any)
- Use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
- Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra veg.
- Top with Parmesan instead of cheddar for a different taste.
- Make a vegetarian version with lentils or plant-based mince.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Store-bought works fine and saves time.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours, then bake when ready. You can also freeze before or after baking.
Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: The top should be golden and bubbling at the edges. Internal temp should be hot and steaming.
Q: Can I skip the tomato paste?
A: You can, but tomato paste adds depth. You may add a little ketchup or tomato sauce instead.
Q: Can I make smaller portions?
A: Yes. Use a smaller dish and reduce bake time a little.
Conclusion
For a classic take and more tips on shepherd’s pie, see this detailed recipe: The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie – The Wholesome Dish.
Print
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm, simple dinner combining ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes in one dish, perfect for busy nights and using leftover ingredients.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Brown the beef well for more flavor. You can use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal