Shepherds Pie Comforting Casserole (Print Version)

A hearty casserole with seasoned meat, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potato topping baked until golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Filling

01 - 2 lbs ground beef or ground lamb
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 1 cup frozen peas
06 - 1 cup frozen corn
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 1 cup beef or chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Mashed Potato Topping

15 - 2½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - ½ cup whole milk
18 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if desired. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions and diced carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Incorporate ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking up meat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
07 - Pour in broth and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Add peas and corn, stir well, and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Transfer the meat filling evenly into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
09 - Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread smoothly to cover. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispier finish.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.
11 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its practically two meals in one, satisfying every craving in a single baking dish
  • The leftover situation is legendary, tasting even better the next day
  • You can feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen
02 -
  • Draining excess fat from the meat prevents the filling from becoming greasy
  • The potato layer needs to be completely sealed or the filling will bubble through unevenly
  • Seasoning the filling generously is crucial since the potatoes will mute some flavor
03 -
  • Use a mix of beef and lamb if you want restaurant-level depth of flavor
  • Add a splash of red wine to the meat filling while simmering for extra sophistication
  • Brush the potato topping with beaten egg for an even more gorgeous golden crust
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