Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 recipe Easy Pot Roast (including gravy)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 (24 ounce) mashed potatoes, such as Simply Potatoes
• 1/2 recipe Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onion

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Place the pot roast and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the peas and cook until the peas are heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the mashed potatoes to a casserole dish and press them into an even layer in the pan.

Step 4: Place the pot roast and peas mixture on top of the mashed potatoes.

Step 5: Add the hash brown casserole on top of the pot roast and spread it into a thin, even layer.

Step 6: Top the casserole with the shredded Cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly, about 35 minutes.

Step 8: Sprinkle the casserole with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Cook's Note

This recipe requires some planning ahead. Youll need approximately 4 hours to make the pot roast and 1 hour to prepare the hash brown casserole. If you prefer, you can make these dishes in advance and use leftovers for a quicker assembly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	916
Total Fat	55g (70% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	24g (121% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	213mg (71% Daily Value)
Sodium	1408mg (61% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	51g (19% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	5g (18% Daily Value)
Protein	52g (104% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	23mg (26% Daily Value)
Calcium	428mg (33% Daily Value)
Iron	5mg (26% Daily Value)
Potassium	1187mg (25% Daily Value)

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

History and Origins

The Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Shepherd's Pie is a modern twist on two classic comfort foods: traditional shepherd's pie and the beloved American hash brown casserole. Shepherd's pie, originally from the United Kingdom and Ireland, was a way to use leftover roasted meat, typically lamb, topped with mashed potatoes. In the United States, variations often incorporate beef and other locally available ingredients. The hash brown casserole, popularized in the mid-20th century, became a staple in Southern American cuisine, known for its rich, creamy layers and cheesy flavor. The combination in this recipe represents a cross-cultural adaptation, blending British heritage with American Southern indulgence.

Regional Variations

In the American South, casseroles often emphasize comfort and heartiness, which is why hash brown casserole is commonly served in family gatherings and holiday meals. Northern regions may opt for simpler shepherd's pies with just meat and mashed potatoes, while Southern recipes layer in extra elements like cheddar cheese and hash browns for added richness. This fusion dish reflects Southern preferences for cheesy, creamy, and filling casseroles, showing how regional tastes can transform a classic European dish into a distinctly American comfort food.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional shepherd's pie, which relies solely on mashed potatoes as a topping, this recipe incorporates a layer of hash brown casserole, adding both texture and flavor complexity. While standard hash brown casseroles are usually served as a side dish, here they become part of the main entree, paired with beef, peas, and mashed potatoes. This layered structure creates a unique balance between creamy, savory, and cheesy elements, distinguishing it from simpler versions of either dish.

Typical Serving Settings

This dish is typically served in casual family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, where comfort food is the star. It works well as a hearty main course, accompanied by simple green salads or roasted vegetables. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel serve it in their home-style American menus, often alongside roasted meats, biscuits, and country gravies, making it a familiar and nostalgic option for diners seeking traditional comfort food.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of hash brown casserole with shepherd's pie is a purely American innovation, reflecting the country's love for layering flavors and textures in one dish.
• Many home cooks find that using leftover pot roast from a previous meal not only saves time but also enhances the flavors in this casserole.
• Cheddar cheese topping is optional but highly recommended, as it creates a golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft potato and beef layers beneath.
• The dish exemplifies "copycat" restaurant recipes, where fans recreate popular menu items at home with accessible ingredients.
• Despite its rich ingredients, the casserole can be adapted for various dietary preferences by substituting lower-fat cheese or plant-based mashed potatoes.

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