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Delicious Shepherd's Pie Casserole with a golden-brown topping, ready to be served.
Lady Maria

Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole

This easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole features a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared using your favorite method
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Potato masher or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  7. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  8. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  9. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
  10. While the meat filling is simmering, prepare your mashed potatoes. You can use your favorite method.
  11. In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk or cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  12. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  13. Pour the meat filling into the 9x13 inch baking dish.
  14. Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the meat filling.
  15. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  16. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize your vegetables with diced carrots, celery, or parsnips. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding 10-15 minutes to baking time. This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes and add sour cream or cream cheese. Substitute ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd's Pie, lentils for a vegetarian option, or sweet potatoes for a sweeter topping. Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.