Hearty Shepherd's Pie with Crescent Roll Crust
This Hearty Shepherd's Pie with Crescent Roll Crust is a comforting and delicious take on a classic dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of seasoned hamburger beef, rich spaghetti sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes are enhanced by a delightful twist using crescent rolls as a flaky crust. Topped with cheese and corn, this one-dish meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Easy to assemble and bake, this recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a hearty Sunday meal. Share this delightful dish with friends and family for a satisfying culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls
2 (Unrolled and flattened)
Ground Hamburger
2 lbs (Browned and seasoned)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Spaghetti Sauce
1/2-1 cup (Spread over the meat)
Cheese Slices
6-8 slices (Layered over the sauce)
Whole Kernel Corn
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained and spread over cheese)
Mashed Potatoes
4 cups (Spread over corn layer)
Paprika or Parsley Flakes
For sprinkling (To garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Unroll the two containers of crescent rolls and lay them flat, ensuring all seams are pressed together. Arrange the flattened dough in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger meat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat. Spread the ground beef evenly over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish.
5
Pour the spaghetti sauce over the beef layer, spreading it evenly to cover the meat.
6
Layer the cheese slices on top of the spaghetti sauce, followed by the drained can of corn.
7
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the corn layer, smoothing it out to cover the entire dish.
8
Optionally, sprinkle paprika or parsley flakes over the mashed potatoes for added color and flavor.
9
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the dish to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Shepherd's Pie with Crescent Roll Crust?
It is a comforting and delicious take on a classic dish, featuring layers of seasoned hamburger beef, spaghetti sauce, cheese, corn, and mashed potatoes on a flaky crescent roll crust.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground hamburger meat, browned and seasoned.
How many cans of crescent rolls are needed?
You will need two containers or cans of crescent rolls to form the bottom crust.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does this shepherd's pie take to bake?
It should bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
What size baking dish should be used?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the hamburger meat before assembling the pie?
Yes, you must brown the hamburger meat in a skillet and drain the excess fat before adding it to the baking dish.
What type of sauce is used in this shepherd's pie version?
This recipe uses 1/2 to 1 cup of spaghetti sauce spread over the meat layer.
How should I season the meat?
The meat should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper to taste while browning.
How many cups of mashed potatoes are required?
You will need 4 cups of mashed potatoes to spread over the corn layer.
Should the corn be drained before use?
Yes, use one 14-ounce can of whole kernel corn that has been fully drained.
What can I use to garnish the top of the dish?
You can optionally sprinkle paprika or parsley flakes over the mashed potatoes for added color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for families and children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly one-dish meal that is perfect for family dinners.
Can I use different types of cheese?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 cheese slices, but you can use your favorite variety of sliced cheese.
How do I prepare the crescent roll crust?
Unroll the dough, press all seams together to form a solid sheet, and lay it in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
How much ground beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of ground hamburger.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
While the recipe specifies ground hamburger, you could potentially use ground turkey or lamb as a substitute.
What should I do if the crust is browning too quickly?
Keep an eye on the dish during the final minutes of baking to ensure the crescent roll crust does not over-brown.
Is this shepherd's pie considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish meal containing protein, starch, and vegetables.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the mashed potatoes in advance can make the final assembly of the dish even faster.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
Use between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce depending on your preference for richness.
Is it important to press the crescent roll seams together?
Yes, ensuring all seams are pressed together creates a solid, leak-proof crust for the bottom of the pie.
When is this dish best served?
It is perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty Sunday meal for family and friends.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the crescent crust is golden and the inner layers are hot and bubbly.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute a similar amount of frozen corn, though canned corn is the standard ingredient mentioned.
Does the meat require any special preparation besides browning?
No, just brown it in a skillet, break it into pieces, and season it with salt and pepper.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, use a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used as long as you prepare 4 cups worth.
Is this recipe easy to assemble?
Yes, it is designed for easy assembly, making it a great choice for quick dinners.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
While slices are suggested for an even layer, shredded cheese would also work well as a substitute.