Funeral Potatoes Shepherds Pie (Print Version)

Creamy cheesy potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef and vegetables for a comforting casserole dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potato Topping

01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 3/4 cup sour cream
04 - 1/3 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Meat and Vegetable Base

09 - 1 lb ground beef or lamb
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Crunchy Topping

19 - 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
20 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
21 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth consistency is achieved. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat until completely browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Stir frozen vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
07 - Top the meat mixture with the mashed potato preparation, spreading smoothly to completely cover the filling.
08 - Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the potatoes and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
09 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
10 - Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible casserole
  • Layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory meat create the perfect bite every time
  • The crunchy cornflake topping adds a delightful textural contrast
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings or family dinners
  • Easy to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables
02 -
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking—this helps the layers set and makes serving much easier
  • Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest mash, as they have a higher starch content
  • Don't skip draining the fat from the cooked meat; it prevents the casserole from becoming greasy
  • Make the mashed potato layer ahead of time and refrigerate; just bring to room temperature before assembling
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the meat mixture while it simmers
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