This post is sponsored by Simply Potatoes® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Hearty Pizza Shepherd’s Pie with Garlic & Herb Hash Browns

An awesome twist on two classic comfort dishes, this Pizza Shepherd’s Pie combines the savory goodness of sausage and pepperoni, a rich tomato base, and a generous layer of cheese, all crowned with flavorful Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb hash brown potatoes. This hearty casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

For more delicious pizza-inspired creations, don’t miss our Supreme Pizza Dip or these fun Pizza Wafflewiches!

Embracing Comfort Food Season: The Ultimate Pizza Shepherd’s Pie

As the crisp air signals the official arrival of colder weather here in the Midwest, my thoughts inevitably turn to bundling up and, more importantly, to warming meals that bring comfort and joy. Beyond the cozy layers of coats, hats, and scarves, I find true solace in delicious, hearty foods – the kind that nourish both body and soul. Soups, stews, and especially casseroles become staples in my kitchen during these months, offering warmth, satisfaction, and easy preparation for busy weeknights.

This Pizza Shepherd’s Pie stands out as a true culinary triumph, embodying everything I love about comfort food. It’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with flavor, and delivers all the deliciousness of a classic pizza, but in an unexpected and wonderfully hearty casserole form. The secret to its irresistible topping? None other than Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb hash brown potatoes. Trust me, the combination is nothing short of sensational!

The Inspiration: A Delicious Twist on a Beloved Classic

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various pizza casserole recipes, always striving to find new and exciting ways to enjoy those beloved Italian flavors. It was during one of these culinary adventures that a brilliant idea sparked: why not transform a traditional pizza casserole into a Shepherd’s Pie? The thought of combining the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza with the hearty, comforting structure of a Shepherd’s Pie, topped with potatoes instead of crust, sent me straight to the grocery store with a renewed sense of purpose.

I know what you might be thinking – adding potatoes to pizza might sound a little unconventional. But I urge you to trust me on this one: it works, and it works incredibly well! The hash browns don’t just add a unique texture; they provide a delicious, crispy, and flavorful layer that perfectly complements the rich pizza filling below. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to innovate their comfort food repertoire.

In my household, we are big fans of meat on our pizza. While I enjoy a variety of toppings, I confess to having a soft spot for more gourmet combinations, like a butternut squash, kale, and pancetta pizza. However, when it comes to a classic, crowd-pleasing dish for the family, a hearty meat-packed option always wins. So, for this Pizza Shepherd’s Pie, I ensured it was generously loaded with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and an abundance of melty cheese. And then, for that ultimate comfort factor, I topped the entire casserole with those amazing Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb hash brown potatoes – and naturally, piled on even more cheese, because who can resist extra cheese?

Why This Pizza Shepherd’s Pie is a Family Favorite

The feedback from my family on this dish was overwhelmingly positive. My husband, in particular, absolutely adored it. He enjoyed it so much that he took leftovers for lunch twice this week – and if you know my husband, you know he rarely does leftovers, so this is a significant endorsement! It quickly became clear that this unique casserole would be a new staple in our meal rotation.

This Pizza Shepherd’s Pie isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying. It combines the familiar, comforting flavors of pizza with the hearty, fulfilling nature of a Shepherd’s Pie, making it an instant hit with both adults and children. The rich, savory meat and cheese base, combined with the crispy, flavorful potato topping, creates a dish that’s both exciting and deeply comforting. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something truly special but still need a straightforward, family-friendly meal.

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food and eager to put a fun, modern twist on a good old-fashioned casserole, I highly recommend trying this Pizza Shepherd’s Pie tonight for your family. It promises to deliver warmth, flavor, and a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Magic of Simply Potatoes: A Game-Changing Ingredient

The success of this Pizza Shepherd’s Pie, particularly its delightful topping, owes a great deal to Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb hash browns. These aren’t just any potatoes; they are a premium, pre-seasoned product that takes all the hard work out of preparing a delicious potato topping. Forget peeling, chopping, boiling, and mashing – Simply Potatoes offer unparalleled convenience without compromising on taste or quality.

Using these hash browns means you can achieve a perfectly seasoned, wonderfully crisp, golden-brown topping with minimal effort. The garlic and herb seasoning infused within the potatoes adds an extra layer of savory flavor that beautifully complements the Italian-inspired filling of the Shepherd’s Pie. This convenience not only saves you precious time in the kitchen but also ensures a consistent, delicious result every time. It transforms a potentially lengthy cooking process into an accessible, weeknight-friendly meal, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Shepherd’s Pie

Creating this delicious casserole is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your experience and ensure the best results:

Even Browning: When browning the ground turkey and Italian sausage, ensure they are cooked thoroughly and evenly. Breaking up the meat into fine crumbles creates a better texture for the base of your pie.
Flavor Foundation: Don’t rush the sautéing of the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Allowing them to soften and become fragrant builds a robust flavor base for the entire dish.
Layering is Key: Ensure an even layer of the meat mixture in your dish before adding the hash browns. This ensures every bite gets a taste of the savory filling.
Crispy Topping: The broiler step is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy texture on the hash browns. Keep a very close eye on it, as broilers can cook quickly and you want golden perfection, not burnt edges.
Cheese Glorification: Feel free to customize the amount and type of cheese. While Italian blend works wonderfully, mozzarella or a sharp cheddar could also add interesting dimensions. Adding extra cheese at the end ensures a beautiful, gooey top layer.

Variations to Explore

One of the best things about comfort food is its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can customize your Pizza Shepherd’s Pie:

Vegetarian Delight: For a meat-free version, replace the turkey and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You could also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a pleasant heat that complements the pizza flavors.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other pizza-friendly vegetables like black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even finely diced spinach into the meat base.
Cheese Choices: While an Italian cheese blend is classic, try experimenting with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Different Simply Potatoes: While Garlic & Herb hash browns are fantastic, other varieties like Original or Country Style could also work, allowing you to season them to your preference.

Don’t forget to visit the Simply Potatoes page and let me know which Simply Potatoes recipe you are most interested in trying by leaving a comment on this blog post! Each comment will be entered into a drawing to win 3 free product coupons from Simply Potatoes!

Pizza Shepherd’s Pie

Prep 5 mins

Cook 30 mins

Total 35 mins

Author Meg | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 8 servings

An awesome twist on a classic, this Pizza Shepherd’s Pie combines sausage, pepperoni, cheese and hash brown potatoes to give you a hearty casserole worth devouring.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
14 oz jar pizza sauce
1 cup shredded Italian cheese, divided
1 package Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb Hash Browns
1/4 cup mini pepperoni

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown turkey and sausage together. Add in pepper, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in pizza sauce and 1/4 cup cheese. Pour mixture into a 3 quart dish and top with Simply Potatoes Garlic & Herb Hash Browns. Bake for 20 minutes.
Turn oven to low broil and broil to crisp the potatoes slightly for 5 minutes keeping a close watch not to burn.
Remove from oven and top with remaining cheese and pepperoni. Place under the broiler until cheese melts, about 1 minute.

Courses Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 8 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 384
% Daily Value
Total Fat 22 g		34%
	Saturated Fat 9 g	45%
Cholesterol 54 mg		18%
Sodium 531 mg		22%
Total Carbohydrates 21 g		7%
	Dietary Fiber 3 g	12%
	Sugars 5 g
Protein 22 g		44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Serving Suggestions for Your Pizza Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and balanced dinner. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also add a welcome touch of freshness and additional nutrients. For those who love a bit of extra indulgence, some warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks could be a fantastic accompaniment, though the hash brown topping provides plenty of delicious texture on its own.

Ultimate Pizza Shepherds Pie