why make this recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings simple ingredients together for a delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be enjoyed by the whole family. This recipe allows you to use leftover mashed potatoes, making it both a practical and tasty choice. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, meaning you can whip it up in no time.
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 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
Serve this hearty casserole hot, straight from the oven. You can dish it out onto plates or serve family-style in the casserole dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it will last for up to 2-3 months.
tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and reduce waste.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce.
- If you want a crispy topping, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
variation
You can easily make this casserole with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with lentils or a mix of beans.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance. Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
2. What can I use instead of beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute to make a vegetarian version.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using fresh vegetables.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
A comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights that utilizes leftover mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
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 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.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the filling for extra flavor. For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal