Quick & Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

This Quick & Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty meal made with ground beef and a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1/2 (13oz) box of mashed potatoes (plus butter, milk & salt as required on the box)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (12oz) bag frozen mixed veggies
• 1 (10.75oz) can tomato soup
• 1 (1.5oz) packet beef stew seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400° F.
2. Step 2: Prepare the mashed potatoes according to package directions, using about half the box. Adjust the amount if you’d like more potatoes or are serving a larger group.
3. Step 3: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease once cooked.
4. Step 4: Add the tomato soup, frozen mixed veggies, beef stew seasoning mix, and 1/2 cup water to the browned beef. Stir well and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Evenly spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered on the center rack for about 30 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix some sautéed onions and garlic into the beef before simmering.
• Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend for a different cheese profile.
• Use homemade mashed potatoes for a fresher taste if you have time.
• Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for added aroma.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cooking times remain the same, but browning might take slightly less time.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the shepherd’s pie in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Quick & Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 135 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe made with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting and hearty weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mashed Potatoes

• 1/2 (13 oz) box of mashed potatoes mix
• Ingredients required for mashed potatoes as per box (butter, milk, salt)

Main Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed veggies
• 1 (10.75 oz) can tomato soup
• 1 (1.5 oz) packet beef stew seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water

Topping

• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the assembled shepherd’s pie.
2. Prepare mashed potatoes: Follow the package instructions to make the mashed potatoes using the provided mix along with specified butter, milk, and salt.
3. Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
4. Combine filling ingredients: To the browned beef, add the frozen mixed veggies, tomato soup, beef stew seasoning mix, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and cook the vegetables.
5. Assemble pie: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer the prepared mashed potatoes evenly on top of the beef mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
6. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown, indicating the dish is hot and ready to serve.

Notes

• For a thicker mashed potato layer, use more than half the box of potato mix according to your preference or family size.
• You can substitute different types of cheese such as mozzarella or a blend for a different flavor profile.
• Using lean ground beef helps reduce greasiness and makes the dish healthier.
• Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
• This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole, quick recipe