Description
This easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a wholesome and comforting dish made with seasoned ground meat, rich vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes blended with plant-based cheese. It offers layers of hearty flavors and textures, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), chopped, to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup plant milk
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for firmer slices)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat plant-based butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and crumbly. Stir in chopped carrots and peas. Mix in tomato paste, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt, black pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Let the mixture simmer gently to combine all the flavors well.
- Make the Mashed Potato Topping: While the filling simmers, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with plant-based butter, plant milk, and shredded plant-based cheese until creamy and smooth. If a firmer topping is desired, gently fold in the natural gelling agent before spreading.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the prepared meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish. Carefully layer the creamy mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Optionally, broil for a few minutes for an extra golden crust. Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to firm up for clean slices.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Allow the filling to simmer gently to develop rich flavors fully.
- For an extra crispy top layer, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to achieve cleaner slices.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to taste before assembling the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Casserole, Comfort Food, Plant-Based Cheese, Gluten Free, Easy Dinner
