Description

This Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring savory lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy plant-based mashed potato topping. It’s a family-friendly dish perfect for cozy dinners, easy to prepare, and versatile for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup peas
2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 cup vegetable broth

Mashed Potato Topping

4 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp plant-based butter
1/4 cup plant-based milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes and Optional

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Pinch of smoked paprika (natural) or freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Plant-based cheese, shredded (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a splash of plant-based butter until soft and fragrant. Add the lean ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in diced carrots and peas followed by tomato paste (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer gently until the liquid reduces and thickens into a rich filling.
Make the Mashed Potato Topping: While the filling simmers, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well and mash the potatoes with plant-based butter and plant-based milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish. Carefully dollop the mashed potatoes on top and smooth with a spatula. For extra texture, use a fork to create patterns on the mashed potatoes that will crisp during baking. If desired, sprinkle plant-based cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Brown the meat well to develop rich flavor and complexity in the filling.
Use starchy potatoes like Yukon gold or russet for creamy mashed topping that holds up when baked.
Don’t overfill the baking dish to prevent overflow and promote even cooking.
Add vegetables and seasonings gradually to layer flavors evenly.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving to achieve cleaner slices and better texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Casserole, Ground Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, Plant-Based, Family-Friendly, Gluten-Free