Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole That Will Satisfy Your Comfort Food Cravings

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them, add butter and milk, and mash until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Layer: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Flavor to the Beef: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and thyme. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, start by spreading half of the mashed potatoes at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the cooked beef mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mashed potatoes on top.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top layer of mashed potatoes.
Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a generous portion, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese.

This Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you’d like to add some sides, here are a few ideas:

Green Vegetables: A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
Crisp Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the hearty flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious beef gravy.

Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are extra creamy and make the mashed layer even more luxurious.
Cheese Choices: You can use cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder, gooey topping. Mixing both is a great idea too!
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Add Veggies: To add more nutrition, you can mix in some frozen peas or carrots with the beef layer.