Ingredients:
– 1 lb. minced meat
– 1 onion, cut into cubes
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced, dried tomatoes
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– One teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mashed potatoes (made from 2 pounds of potatoes)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook Minced Meat:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until brown. Drain any excess fat.
– Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the minced meat. Fry the onion until it becomes transparent and fragrant.
3. **Prepare Tomato Sauce:**
– Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. **Make Mashed Potatoes:**
– Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes using your preferred method. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
5. **Assemble Casserole:**
– Transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish, spreading it evenly.
– Spoon mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading to coat the entire surface.
6. **Add Cheese Topping:**
– Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
7. **Bake:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the casserole is heated through.
8. **Serve:**
– Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy the comforting and flavorful Shepherd’s Pie Casserole straight from the oven to your table. It’s a wholesome dish that brings together the richness of seasoned meat, the creaminess of mashed potatoes, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or to share with friends!