Simple Shepherd's Pie or Cheese Casserole

Transform weeknight comfort food with this "Simple Shepherd's Pie or Cheese Casserole," a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Featuring savory ground beef or lamb, tender carrots, sweet peas, and a rich tomato-infused gravy, this recipe is topped with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal—plus an optional layer of bubbling cheddar cheese for added indulgence. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s ready in under an hour and bakes to golden perfection in the oven. Whether you call it a shepherd’s pie or a cheesy casserole, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a household favorite. Suitable for customizing with beef, lamb, or vegetarian alternatives, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a comforting classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 medium, diced carrot
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon, or to taste salt
• 0.5 teaspoons, or to taste black pepper
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
• 1 cup, shredded (optional) cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook the diced onion and carrot for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the liquid slightly reduces.

Step 7

Add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 8

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking dish.

Step 9

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 10

If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy topping.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2308.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2983.0

Total Fat 185.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 524.9mg	0%
Sodium 6838.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 130.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 855.9mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 5177.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.9%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 27.9%