This Creamy Pasta Shepherd’s Pie combines savory meat, rich pasta, and fluffy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food casserole.
If you love classic Shepherd’s Pie but also have a soft spot for creamy pasta, this recipe is going to be your new favorite comfort dish. 🥔🍝
This Creamy Pasta Shepherd’s Pie brings together savory meat filling, a rich and velvety pasta layer, and fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, all baked into one irresistible casserole.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make ahead meals, this dish takes traditional Shepherd’s Pie and gives it a cozy, indulgent upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Shepherd’s Pie
- Three comforting layers in one dish
- Kid friendly and family approved
- Easy to customize with chicken or beef
- Perfect freezer friendly casserole
- Ideal for gatherings or meal prep
If you’re looking for a unique Shepherd’s Pie recipe or a baked pasta and potato casserole, this one checks all the boxes.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezes beautifully, perfect for meal prep
- Reheat in the oven for best texture
Instagram Reel:
Ingredients
🥩 Meat Filling:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 lb ground beef (I used ground chicken)
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth or water
1½ cups frozen mixed peas, carrots, and corn
🍝 Creamy Pasta Layer
8 oz macaroni noodles (½ box)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups half and half or whipping cream (I used a mix of both)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
¾ teaspoon mustard powder
🥔 Mashed Potato Topping
1½–2 lb potatoes (about 2 large), peeled and cubed
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
⅓ cup half and half
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add ground meat and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 - 8 minutes until fully browned.
Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour and add tomato paste, stirring well until fully incorporated with no lumps.
Pour in broth (or water) and add frozen vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Pasta Layer
Boil macaroni noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Slowly whisk in half and half, followed by whipping cream, ensuring no lumps form.
Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and crushed red pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix well. Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Mashed Potato Topping
Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes until fork tender.
Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
4️⃣ Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Spread the meat filling evenly in a 9×13 baking dish
Add the creamy pasta layer and smooth the top
Spoon mashed potatoes over the pasta and gently spread evenly
👉 Tip: If the dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent bubbling over.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top.
Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its finest, hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying. The extra pasta layer adds a delightful surprise that makes this dish stand out from traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipes.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
[Shepherd’s Pie recipe, Creamy pasta casserole. Easy comfort food dinner, Shepherd’s Pie with chicken, Family dinner casserole, Baked pasta and potato dish]
No comments:
Post a Comment