YumVerseEats
Cajun Comfort
Cajun Shepherd's Pie
A Cajun shepherd's pie with smoky seasoned beef and the trinity under a creamy mashed potato topping.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
25
min
Active Time
60
min
Total Time
6
SERVINGS
Oven
METHOD
Why It Works
Seasoning the beef and trinity with Cajun spice gives the classic a smoky backbone. A mashed potato top bakes into a golden, creamy crust.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Sauce
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, for the potatoes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Protein
• 1½ lb ground beef
How to Make It
1
Heat the oven to 400°F.
2
Boil the potatoes 12 to 15 minutes until tender, then drain.
3
Mash with butter, milk, and the 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
4
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef, then add onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook 5 minutes.
5
Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
6
Add the broth and peas and carrots and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
7
Spread the filling in a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
8
Bake 20 minutes until golden, then serve.
How to Make It
1
Heat the oven to 400°F.
2
Boil the potatoes 12 to 15 minutes until tender, then drain.
3
Mash with butter, milk, and the 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
4
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef, then add onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook 5 minutes.
5
Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
6
Add the broth and peas and carrots and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
7
Spread the filling in a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
8
Bake 20 minutes until golden, then serve.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Sauce
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, for the potatoes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Protein
• 1½ lb ground beef
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm through.
Swaps
No olive oil? Use avocado oil or canola oil in the same amount.
Avo's Tip
Cool the filling slightly before topping so the mashed potatoes sit on top instead of sinking in.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Beef or lamb?
Ground beef is classic here; lamb works for a richer, traditional version.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready, adding a few minutes.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, in a pinch, though fresh mashed potatoes brown best.
Quick Fixes
Filling soupy: simmer it down before topping.
Topping not browning: broil 2 minutes at the end.
Want more heat: add cayenne to the filling.
You Might Also Like
Chicken Pot Pie Skillet
15
min active
·
35
min total
Cajun Sausage Skewers
20
min active
·
35
min total
Cajun Sausage Stuffed Peppers
25
min active
·
55
min total
Cajun Meatloaf
15
min active
·
70
min total
Your first week of dinners, free.
5 recipes, one shopping list, Sunday prep plan — instant download.