Simple Shepherd's Pie Casserole: A Weeknight Hug (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting, hearty Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole with this simple recipe. Perfect for family dinners and satisfying cravings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
02 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

→ Flavor Builders

06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Topping

11 - 1/2 cup whole milk
12 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Prepping for your Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole starts with the potatoes. Peel and chop your Yukon Golds into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss them into a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt – this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they're fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily, but not mushy. Drain them well, we don't want watery mash!
02 - While the potatoes bubble away, let's get that savory base for our Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole going. In a large, oven-safe skillet (or a pot that can transfer to a baking dish later), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it's no longer pink, drain any excess fat – this is crucial for a non-greasy pie. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's the best part of this step.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor! Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Let it all simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want it to be a nice, rich consistency, not too soupy for our Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole. Taste it here, add salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
04 - By now, your potatoes should be ready. Drain them thoroughly and return them to the warm pot. Add the milk and butter. Grab your potato masher and get to work! Mash until smooth and creamy. If you like a little texture, leave a few small lumps; I sometimes do for a rustic feel. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy here; bland mashed potatoes are a crime! This creamy topping is vital for our Simple Shepherd's Pie Casserole.
05 - If you used a skillet that isn't oven-safe, transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Otherwise, just keep it in your oven-safe skillet. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat filling. I like to use a fork to create little peaks and swirls – not just for looks, but those little ridges get wonderfully crispy in the oven! This is the satisfying part of making your Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole.
06 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole in the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the potato topping is golden brown. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it on for the last 10 minutes of baking. That bubbly, cheesy crust is everything! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; it helps everything set up and prevents a messy slice.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the browning of the meat; it really builds the flavor base for this Easy Shepherd's Pie Casserole.
02 - Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I often assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and bake it fresh.
03 - No ground beef? Ground lamb or even a mix of ground pork and beef works. I've even done a lentil version, it was surprisingly good... for a vegetarian twist!
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that just makes this Simple Shepherd's Pie Casserole feel complete.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - potato masher
03 - 9x13 baking dish

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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