Save A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
When I first made this Shepherds Pie, everyone loved how cozy and satisfying it was on a chilly evening. It quickly became our go-to for family nights that call for comfort food.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or turkey/lamb): 500 g (1 lb). Choose your favorite for variety
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
- Beef or vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
- All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): 2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Potatoes: 800 g (about 1 3/4 lbs), peeled and chopped
- Milk: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
- Salt and black pepper (for topping): to taste
Instructions
- Prep and Cook Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare Filling:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots for 5 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Thicken Filling:
- Sprinkle flour (or cornstarch) over mixture, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add broth, bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble & Bake:
- Fill a 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) baking dish with beef mixture. Top with mashed potatoes, smooth, and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Finishing:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for seconds of cheesy Shepherds Pie, and it’s the one dish everyone agrees on. Sharing stories over steaming plates makes every bite taste even better.
Variations & Customizations
Use mixed vegetables, such as frozen corn or green beans, or swap cheeses for a new flavor each time. Lentils and plant-based mince are tasty for vegetarian spins.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Shepherds Pie with a simple green salad or steamed greens. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the filling.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This dish freezes well in individual portions. Reheat in the oven until heated through for easy weeknight dinners.
Save Enjoy this hearty Shepherds Pie straight from the oven. It is sure to become a family favorite!
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, lentils, or plant-based mince can be used as alternatives to vary the dish while maintaining its hearty texture.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening, and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to keep the flavors intact.
- → What is the best way to achieve creamy mashed potatoes?
Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy topping.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, adding frozen corn or leftover vegetables enhances nutrition and adds color and texture to the filling.
- → Is it necessary to brown the meat before baking?
Browning the ground beef before baking develops deeper flavor and improves the overall taste and texture of the filling.