Funeral Potatoes Shepherds Pie (Printable Version)

Creamy mashed potatoes layered with savory meat and vegetables, topped with a crunchy cheddar crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potato Topping

01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3/4 cup sour cream
04 - 1/3 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp 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 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
16 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Crunchy Topping

19 - 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
20 - 2 tbsp 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 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. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat until fully browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
06 - Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
07 - Spread mashed potato mixture over the meat filling, covering completely and sealing to the edges of the dish.
08 - Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the potatoes. 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 for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Combines two comfort food favorites in one satisfying casserole
  • Layers of creamy potatoes, savory meat, and crunchy topping create amazing texture
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings or potlucks
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked when ready
  • Customizable with vegetarian options and different protein choices
02 -
  • Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potato topping
  • Don't overmix the potatoes—this can make them gluey instead of fluffy
  • Drain the meat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole
  • Let the meat mixture simmer until thickened to avoid a watery filling
  • Crush cornflakes lightly—you want texture, not powder
  • Allow the casserole to rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
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