If you're a fan of both comforting shepherd's pie and classic cheeseburgers, this Cheeseburger Shepherd's Pie is going to be your new favorite weeknight dinner. It's a delicious mash-up that combines hearty ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and a cheesy topping, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ground beef forms the savory base of this dish, providing rich flavor and protein. The chopped onion and bell pepper add a touch of sweetness and freshness, while the Worcestershire sauce brings depth and umami. Our trusty frozen mixed vegetables add color and extra nutrients, making this a one-dish meal. Mashed potatoes create the luscious, creamy topping, and cheddar cheese delivers that gooey, melty finish that ties everything together. A little black pepper and salt round out the flavors, and olive oil helps to sauté the veggies to perfection.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the pie. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be perfect. If you're feeling indulgent, serve it with a side of garlic bread for an extra dose of comfort.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's happening, grab a large skillet and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper, letting them get nice and soft — this should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook it until it's browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, ensuring that everything is well combined.
Now, mix in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the veggies heat through. At this point, your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now for the fun part: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.