...
Go Back
+ servings
Homemade shepherd’s pie casserole recipe with golden mashed potato topping, freshly baked and served on a white kitchen counter.

Shepherd’s Pie Casserole Recipe

A hearty, comforting Shepherd’s Pie Casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with golden melted cheese. A cozy family favorite that turns any meal into pure comfort.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British-American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 480kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch casserole dish Glass or ceramic; helps bake evenly and retain heat
  • 1 Large skillet Ideal for browning the beef evenly
  • 1 Large pot For boiling potatoes comfortably
  • 1 Potato masher Creates creamy yet slightly textured mashed potatoes
  • 1 Baking sheet Place under the casserole dish to catch drips
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and breaking up ground beef

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Ground beef (80/20 blend) For best flavor without excess grease
  • 1 large Onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances savory flavor
  • 2 cups Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) Frozen mix works perfectly
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Adds richness and color
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Provides umami depth
  • 1 cup Beef broth Moistens the filling
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour Naturally thickens the sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dried thyme Classic herb pairing
  • Salt and black pepper To taste
  • 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed Starchy potatoes make fluffier mash
  • 0.5 cup Butter Adds creaminess and flavor
  • 0.75 cup Whole milk or heavy cream Warm before mixing for smooth texture
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Half in potatoes, half for topping
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 2 Egg yolks (optional) Makes topping rich and golden when baked

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high and cook ground beef for 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 2 tablespoons.
  • Add diced onions and cook 4 minutes; stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle flour, then mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth; simmer until thickened. Fold in vegetables and season.
  • Boil peeled potatoes 15–18 minutes until tender; drain and mash with butter, warm milk, half cheese, and egg yolks (optional).
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread beef mixture in greased casserole dish, top with mashed potatoes, smooth evenly, and sprinkle remaining cheese.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Broil 2–3 minutes for extra browning. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 970mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 3.5mg