Description

This Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring seasoned lean ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a creamy layer of plant-based mashed potatoes. It offers a warm, filling dinner perfect for family gatherings or convenient weeknight meals, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful classic that’s easy to prepare and customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup peas
1 cup corn kernels
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil

Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs peeled potatoes
2 tablespoons plant-based butter
¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in diced carrots, peas, corn, tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in beef broth, then simmer gently until the mixture thickens and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
Make the Plant-Based Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with plant-based butter and unsweetened plant-based milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mash just until smooth and creamy without overworking.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the beef and vegetable filling evenly into a baking dish. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer. Rough up the surface lightly with a fork for texture and a golden crust.
Bake Until Bubbling: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the mashed potatoes turn lightly golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving to set flavors.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to avoid a greasy filling.
Use fresh thyme and rosemary to elevate flavor beyond dried herbs.
Do not overmix mashed potatoes to keep them fluffy.
Spread layers evenly for consistent cooking and taste.
Prepare filling and mashed potatoes ahead, then assemble before baking for convenience.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

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