Shepherd’s Pie With Kielbasa Casserole

This shepherd’s pie with kielbasa is a twist on the traditional recipe. This recipe changes up the flavors a bit for a whole new comfort food. It has become one of those family favorites that the whole family looks forward to.

This mouthwatering dish combines the comforting goodness of classic Shepherd’s Pie with the rich, savory twist of flavorful kielbasa sausage. It’s a hearty meal and satisfying casserole that effortlessly brings together the best of both worlds.

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What is Shepherd’s Pie?

A Shepherd’s Pie is a meat with vegetables and mashed potatoes on top. This pie is basically a casserole. The ingredients are layered in the container and topped with mashed potatoes or a pastry and baked.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Shepherd’s Pie is a common and inexpensive British dish originating from the sheep country in Scotland and northern England.  This dish first came about late in the 1700s and early 1800s.

Accordingly, housewives back then were on the frugal side. Much like we do today, they were looking for ways to incorporate those leftovers that husbands and kids would turn up their noses at. The struggle was real back then just like today.

Why you’ll love it

• It is pure comfort food that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
• A hearty, complete meal served up steaming hot in a large skillet, kettle, or in an oven-safe casserole dish.
• Three is no pre cooking of a meat mixture, just layering. The hardest part is making the mashed potatoes.
• Make this with Smoked Kielbasa, Italian Sausage, or even a lamb sausage. We prefer the Kielbasa for this recipe.

Use a Pan or Kettle for Baking

When I was growing up, my family always made their shepherd’s pie in a kettle. However, I often see it made on a 9 x 13 baking dish. There is no right or wrong cooking vessel. Use the one you like to use for this delicious dish.

Each spoonful of this casserole get some bits of melty cheese, sauerkraut, kielbasa, and mashed potatoes. It’s pure comfort food.

Kielbasa Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

There are just five layers to this delicious and hearty pie. This is one of those comfort foods that is so quick to make and perfect for warming you up on a cold day.

The first layer is the kielbasa. I cut the rings into bite-sized pieces. Next is the Swiss cheese and Muenster cheese. I just love the combination of the kielbasa with this cheese. You can use sliced or shredded. Today, I layered on the sliced cheese.

Next is the Sauerkraut. Just make sure to drain before adding or the casserole will become too watery.

Lastly, the top layer is mashed potatoes. I prefer my homemade mash potatoes. It is a great way to use any leftovers from a previous meal if you happen to have any.

Perfectly Baked: Bake the shepherd’s pie until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, ensuring a mouthwatering visual appeal.

Here is another version, Shepherd’s Pie With Guinness. This recipes uses ground beef or lamp, onions, carrots, minced garlic, tomato paste, all-purpose flour, Guinness, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, peas, salt, and black pepper. It’s more of a traditional shepherd’s pie.

Making the Mashed Potatoes

These days, you have options for the mashed potatoes. Make your own and season them the way you wish. Use my recipe for mashed potatoes.

No time to make your own mashed potatoes? No worries. I have used the store bought mashed potatoes with good success. If you do use the pre-made version, make sure to follow the package directions and make them before adding the mashed potatoes to this recipe.

Storing this casserole

This is the perfect meal planning casserole to put together. There are a few options for you.

Assemble the ingredients in a 9 X 13 baking pan. Cover with foil and label. You can make this up to two days ahead and refrigerate. It also makes a great freezer meal.

Refrigeration: After preparing or serving, allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Stored properly, the Shepherd’s Pie With Kielbasa can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: If you’re looking to extend the shelf life, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, transfer individual portions into an airtight container suitable for freezing. It’s a good thing for freezer meals. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. It will stay fresh up to 4 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy a frozen, just transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave for a quicker thaw.

Reheating: Whether fresh from the refrigerator or thawed from the freezer, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to a medium heat around 350°F (175°C), cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and heat for approximately 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Servin Suggestions

So many sides pair well with this sausage shepherd’s pie.

Steamed Vegetables: A medley of colorful steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans, adds a fresh and nutritious element to balance the richness of the casserole.

Mixed Greens Salad: Create a light and refreshing salad with a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a delightful contrast to the heartiness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread or Baguette Slices: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or slices of crusty baguette on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the casserole.

Mashed Potatoes: If you can’t get enough of potatoes, consider serving mashed potatoes alongside the Shepherd’s Pie. This classic pairing enhances the overall potato goodness in the meal.

Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch to your plate. The acidity in the coleslaw can help cut through the richness of the kielbasa and potatoes.

Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is an excellent choice to accompany the savory and meaty casserole. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.

Mix and match these side dishes based on your preferences and the occasion. The key is to create a well-balanced meal that satisfies your palate and leaves you fully content.

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