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Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a cozy, comforting dinner made with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 465
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Potato Topping
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes warm
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Medium Casserole Dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often so it does not burn.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  5. Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas.
  6. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well so the seasoning coats the meat.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  8. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
  9. Spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the beef layer. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly mashed potatoes for the creamiest top layer, and shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor. You can also add corn, mushrooms, garlic powder, or chopped parsley to customize the casserole.