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- 1 lb ground beef or lamb - 1 cup diced onions - 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, we use simple but tasty ingredients to create a warm dish. Ground beef or lamb is the star. It gives the casserole a rich flavor. I like using diced onions for sweetness and mixed frozen vegetables for ease. They add color and nutrients. For the seasonings, beef broth adds depth. Worcestershire sauce gives a savory punch. Dried thyme, salt, and black pepper enhance the taste. These ingredients come together to create a wonderful base for our casserole. The topping is key. Creamy mashed potatoes make it comforting. You can use homemade or store-bought. Topping it off with shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds that melty goodness we all love. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens it up and makes it look great. This combination makes the weeknight shepherd’s pie casserole a real crowd-pleaser! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the casserole cook evenly. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef or lamb. Cook over medium heat until it turns brown. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. After cooking, drain any fat left in the skillet. Next, add 1 cup of diced onions and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and clear. This step creates a great smell in your kitchen. Now, mix in 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. You can use carrots, peas, and corn. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken, coating the meat and veggies nicely. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom. Then, carefully spoon 4 cups of creamy mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Spread them evenly with a spatula. You can create some peaks and valleys for a fun look. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. This cheese will melt and create a delicious crust. Finally, place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. This signals that your meal is ready to serve! - Using store-bought mashed potatoes: This is a quick way to save time. You can grab a tub of creamy mashed potatoes from the store. It cuts your prep time in half and still tastes great. - Prepping vegetables in advance: Chopping your onions and measuring your frozen veggies ahead of time makes cooking smoother. You can do this the night before or even in the morning. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. - Ensuring meat is well browned: When you cook the ground meat, make sure it’s browned well. This gives your casserole a rich flavor. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small bits while it cooks. - Techniques for evenly spreading mashed potatoes: After you spoon the mashed potatoes on top, use a spatula to spread them evenly. Create peaks and valleys with the spatula. This creates a nice texture and allows the cheese to melt perfectly. - Alternative garnishes for presentation: Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a pop of color. You can sprinkle them on top right before serving. It makes your dish look fancy with little effort. - Choosing the right cheese for flavor: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice kick. You can also try mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor to the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your shepherd's pie. Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the frozen vegetables for your favorites, such as bell peppers or green beans, to tailor the dish to your taste. Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for a quick weeknight meal. Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For the best mashed potatoes, use a combination of butter and cream. This ensures a rich and smooth texture that complements the casserole perfectly. {{image_4}} You can swap out ground beef or lamb for ground turkey. This change makes the dish lighter. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives. They work well and add a nice flavor. Feel free to mix up the vegetable mix. Instead of frozen carrots, peas, and corn, try green beans or bell peppers. You can also add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. Adding fresh herbs or spices can boost the flavor. Try rosemary or oregano for a new twist. A touch of paprika can add warmth, too. Using different cheese varieties can change the taste. You could use mozzarella for a milder flavor. Or try pepper jack for a bit of heat. Each cheese will give a unique taste to your casserole. You can serve this casserole in different ways. For a fun twist, make individual portions in ramekins. This makes it easy for everyone to have their own dish. You can also serve it family-style in a larger dish. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. This adds color and freshness to your table. To store your leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This will keep it fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3-4 days. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, follow the same wrapping method. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. The best way to reheat your casserole is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 30-40 minutes. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between intervals to keep it even. Portion out servings before reheating. This helps heat the food evenly and makes it easier to serve. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Start by cooking the meat and onions. After that, mix in the frozen veggies, broth, and spices. Cool it down. You can layer everything in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, just add the mashed potatoes and cheese. It will save you time on a busy weeknight! Shepherd's pie is hearty on its own. However, some side dishes can enhance your meal. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve crusty bread for dipping. Steamed broccoli or green beans work well, too. These sides balance the richness of the casserole. You can use fresh veggies! Just chop them into small pieces. Fresh vegetables may require longer cooking time. Make sure they are tender before combining them with the meat. This way, they will blend well in your casserole. Keep an eye on the texture to ensure a delicious bite! This blog post covers how to make a delicious shepherd's pie. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to save time. We explored ways to change the recipe and how to store leftovers. You can enjoy this meal no matter your dietary needs or style. Remember, comfort food is all about enjoyment. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! Your kitchen awaits a savory experience.

Comforting Weeknight Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

A hearty and comforting shepherd's pie casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for optimal baking.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, using a wooden spoon to crumble the meat into small pieces. After cooking, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Next, introduce the diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent—a delicious aromatic base!
  • Now, mix in the frozen vegetables along with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the vegetables and meat.
  • Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a solid base.
  • Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Use a spatula to spread them evenly, and for a little flair, you can create peaks and valleys in the potatoes for texture.
  • Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top of the mashed potatoes, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a lovely golden brown.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

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