If you’re looking at this cheesy and comforting dish, you’re in for a treat! This photo showcases a Shepherd’s Pie Casserole layered with rich, savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and topped with a golden blanket of melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner, potlucks, or when you simply need a satisfying and hearty meal.
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Let me walk you through how to recreate this delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Comfort Food Classic: With layers of savory beef, mashed potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a true comfort meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: The gooey melted cheese on top takes this casserole to the next level.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find that the ingredients are easy to get, and you might already have them in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
For this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them, add butter and milk, and mash until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef Layer: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Flavor to the Beef: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and thyme. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, start by spreading half of the mashed potatoes at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the cooked beef mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mashed potatoes on top.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top layer of mashed potatoes.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a generous portion, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you’d like to add some sides, here are a few ideas:
- Green Vegetables: A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
- Crisp Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the hearty flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious beef gravy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are extra creamy and make the mashed layer even more luxurious.
- Cheese Choices: You can use cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder, gooey topping. Mixing both is a great idea too!
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Add Veggies: To add more nutrition, you can mix in some frozen peas or carrots with the beef layer.
