why make this recipe
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is warm, filling, and simple. You can make it on a busy weeknight with ingredients you likely have on hand. It feeds a family and makes good leftovers. If you enjoy simple casseroles and pies, you might also like this apple pie stuffed cheesecake for dessert after dinner.
introduction
This dish layers seasoned ground beef and vegetables under a blanket of mashed potatoes. It cooks quickly and tastes like home. The steps are clear, and you can change small parts to fit what you have.
how to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- 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 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mix simmer 5–7 minutes until it thickens a little.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes and spread to cover the filling.
- Dot the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar if you like.
- Bake 20–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
If you want a different topping, try using mashed sweet potatoes for a twist, similar to other mashed-vegetable recipes like sweet potato pie ideas.
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 hot from the oven. A simple green salad or steamed green beans go well. Spoon into bowls or cut into squares for plates. Leftovers heat well in the microwave or oven.
how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Cool to room temperature first. Cover and place in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or use the microwave for single servings.
tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Use day-old mashed potatoes or make them fresh; they both work.
- Drain the beef well so the filling does not get watery.
- If you like a crisp top, broil the casserole 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely.
- Add a little extra beef broth if you prefer a saucier filling.
- For a fun twist, swap some mashed potato with crushed chips for a crunchy top, similar to a Doritos-style casserole idea.
variation (if any)
- Use ground lamb instead of beef for a classic shepherd’s pie flavor.
- Swap the mixed vegetables for peas only or add corn and green beans.
- Top with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste.
- Make it vegetarian by using lentils or a meat substitute in place of ground beef.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Thaw them first and stir to loosen before spreading on the casserole.
Q: Do I need to cook the potatoes before baking?
A: Yes. The potatoes must be cooked and mashed before you spread them on top.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.
Q: How do I prevent the top from burning?
A: If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the rest of the bake time.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Try these recipes if you want more ideas: The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie for a traditional take, Shepherd Pie Casserole recipe for another simple family meal, and Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for more tips and variations.
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
- to taste Salt and pepper
Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter for dotting on top
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mix simmer 5–7 minutes until it thickens a little.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes and spread to cover the filling.
- Dot the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar if you like.
- Bake 20–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
