This Hash Brown Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy delight! It combines tasty ground meat and veggies, all topped with crispy golden hash browns. Who could resist that crunch?
Every bite is comfort food at its best! I love making one big dish and serving it for dinner—everyone always goes back for seconds. It’s just so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns make this dish super easy! You could also use fresh potatoes if you’re up for grating and squeezing out excess moisture for the same texture.
Ground Beef: While ground beef is traditional, ground lamb adds a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work too!
Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are a quick addition, but you can mix it up with fresh veggies like green beans or bell peppers. This can make the dish even more colorful!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its punchy flavor. If you want something milder, feel free to use mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Hash Brown Layer is Crispy?
Getting those hash browns crispy is all about moisture control and the baking technique. Here’s how to ensure a beautiful, crispy top:
- Pat the thawed hash browns dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mixing in cheese helps bind them together, leading to a crunchier top.
- Spread them evenly but don’t pile them too thick! A thin layer allows for better crisping.
- Watch the broiler closely at the end. It can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
How to Make Hash Brown Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), optional
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hash Brown Layer:
- 1 bag (about 24 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for cooking
For Garnishing:
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 25-30 minutes to bake. If you want the top extra crispy, you can add a couple of minutes under the broiler, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the pie.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or lamb) into the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook it until it’s well browned and no longer pink, which should take around 5-7 minutes. It smells great already!
4. Add the Flavors:
Stir in the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and mix it all together. This is where the magic happens!
5. Stir in the Vegetables:
If you’re using mixed vegetables, toss them in now. Let the mixture cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and some of the liquid has reduced. Stir occasionally!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every scoop has that delicious filling!
7. Prepare the Hash Brown Layer:
In a separate bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper. This cheesy layer will be a hit!
8. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the hash brown mixture evenly over the meat layer, gently pressing it down. You want it nice and compact!
9. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the hash browns. Cheese makes everything better, right?
10. Bake It:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This is when the deliciousness really comes together!
11. Crisp the Top:
If you want an extra crispy topping, put the pie under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just make sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before digging in!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Hash Brown Shepherd’s Pie — a cozy dish that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is common, ground lamb offers a traditional flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just make sure to season well since they can be milder in taste.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling and baking. Just keep the hash brown mixture separate until you’re ready to bake to maintain its texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm it in the oven at a low temperature to help the top stay crispy!
What Can I Substitute for Hash Browns?
If you don’t have hash browns, you can use freshly grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to ensure a crispy layer. Alternatively, you could use mashed potatoes for a different texture!
