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To make a delicious Shepherd's Pie Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef or lamb - 1 large onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Choosing the right ground meat is key. Beef gives a rich flavor, while lamb adds a unique taste. Diced onion, carrots, and garlic create a savory base. Frozen peas add sweetness and color to the dish. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce enhance the flavors. For seasoning, dried thyme and rosemary bring warmth. Salt and pepper balance everything out. The mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting. I like to use butter and milk for the best taste. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish. Fresh parsley is perfect for a pop of color. It makes the dish look nice and fresh. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a comforting meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for the casserole. Next, in a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef or lamb. Cook this over medium heat. Brown the meat while breaking it up with a spatula. If there is too much fat, drain it from the skillet. Now, add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté these for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender and fragrant. After that, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend together nicely. Take the meat mixture and transfer it to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, take 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes and spoon them over the meat. Use a spatula to spread them out smoothly. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. This will give it a nice, cheesy crust. Put the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for bubbly and golden cheese on top. Once it is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Using fresh herbs can make a big difference. Fresh thyme and rosemary give bright flavors. Dried herbs work well too, but fresh adds a pop. If you want more flavor, adjust seasoning to your liking. Taste as you go. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference. You can prep this dish in advance. Cook the meat and veggie mix ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just top it with mashed potatoes and cheese. If you want to freeze it, do so after assembling. Wrap it tightly. It can last up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Serve your casserole in the dish for a rustic look. You can also scoop servings onto plates for a classy touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. If you want to impress, drizzle a little olive oil around the edges. It looks great and adds flavor too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the meat mixture based on your preference. This adds color and nutrition. Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick dinner option. Perfect Mashed Potatoes: For creamy mashed potatoes, ensure they are well-seasoned and include enough butter and milk. This will enhance the overall taste of the casserole. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie. For meat, use lentils or mushrooms. These options give you a hearty texture. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use plant-based milk in the mashed potatoes. You can use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy base. Shepherd’s Pie has many styles around the world. In Ireland, they often use lamb and add root veggies. In the UK, you might find it made with beef, known as Cottage Pie. You can also swap in unique ingredients like sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the topping. Each twist adds its own charm. Get creative with flavors! Add a splash of BBQ sauce for a smoky taste. Hot sauce can give it a spicy kick. You can mix in extra veggies like corn or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. These little changes can turn a classic into something new and exciting. To keep your Shepherd’s Pie Casserole fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let it cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the flavors and moisture locked in. If you do not have an airtight container, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Always label your storage with the date to track freshness. When you want to enjoy your casserole again, reheating is key. The oven is best for this dish. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. This helps keep the top from burning. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover the dish to avoid a dry texture. Stir the casserole halfway through for even warmth. In the fridge, your Shepherd's Pie Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Shepherd's Pie uses ground lamb, while Cottage Pie uses ground beef. Both dishes have a similar look and texture but differ mainly in the meat. This small change makes each pie unique in flavor. Yes, you can. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. If you want to store it longer, freeze it instead. This way, you can enjoy it later with no hassle. To get creamy mashed potatoes, use hot milk and butter. Start with well-cooked potatoes. Mash them until smooth, then mix in the hot dairy. Avoid over-mixing; this keeps them fluffy. Season with salt and pepper for added taste. You have options! Ground turkey or chicken can work well. For a plant-based choice, try lentils or mushrooms. These options can still provide great flavor without meat. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a protein-rich dish. We covered the key steps to create a delicious Shepherd’s Pie. From choosing the right ingredients to preparing a flavorful filling, every part matters. Remember to enjoy the process, and feel free to customize your pie with unique flavors or variations. Proper storage methods will keep leftovers fresh for later enjoyment. With these tips, you’ll create a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Happy cooking!

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

A comforting casserole made with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading it with a spatula for an even layer.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, shepherd's pie