Simple Shepherd's Pie Casserole: Hearty & Comforting (Print Version)

Comforting Easy Shepherds Pie Casserole: Your stress-free weeknight meal. Tender meat, creamy mash, and simple veggies. Pure comfort, from my kitchen.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Meat & Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
06 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1.5 cups beef broth
08 - 10 oz frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

→ Creamy Topping

09 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
11 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those potatoes peeled and chopped into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss them into a big pot, cover with cold water, and add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until they're fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but trust me, it makes a difference! Drain them well; we don't want watery mash for our comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole.
02 - While the potatoes are doing their thing, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until it's browned. Drain any excess fat—I've learned this the hard way, nobody wants a greasy casserole! Toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell, hon, it's the start of something good for your comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in your frozen mixed vegetables. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Season generously with salt and pepper here; taste it and adjust. This is where the magic happens, so don't be shy with the seasonings for your comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole!
04 - Once the potatoes are drained, return them to the hot pot. Add the butter, milk, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Grab your potato masher (or a fork if you're feeling rustic!) and get to mashing until they're smooth and creamy. My arm always aches a bit after this, but it's totally worth it for the pillowy topping this comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole deserves. Taste and adjust seasonings again!
05 - Spoon the meat and vegetable filling evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Try to spread it out nicely. Then, carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. I like to make little peaks and swirls with a fork—it helps them get extra crispy. If you spill a little on the side, it's fine, it's a home-cooked comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole, not a culinary masterpiece!
06 - Pop your assembled casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the mashed potatoes are lightly golden. For an extra special touch, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for the last 5-10 minutes of baking until it's melted and bubbly. That golden crust on this comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole? Pure perfection! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on the butter in the mash; it makes all the difference for that creamy texture.
02 - Leftovers are even better, but microwave gently, okay? Avoid high heat to prevent rubbery potatoes.
03 - Swap ground lamb for beef for a more traditional shepherd's pie; I've done it, it's good!
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end just makes this comforting easy shepherd's pie casserole look extra pretty.

# Equipment Needed:

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

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 500 Calories
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g

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