Pin it A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
I first made this shepherds pie for a chilly weeknight dinner and was amazed at how comforting and satisfying it was. Even picky eaters love the cheesy mashed potato topping.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb) or substitute ground turkey/lamb for variation
- 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
- Broth: 250 ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp or cornstarch for gluten-free option
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Potatoes: 800 g (about 1¾ lbs), peeled and chopped
- Milk: 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup) shredded
- Additional salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Make Mashed Potato Topping:
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Filling:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ground beef; cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Flavor and Thicken:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over mixture; stir and cook another minute. Pour in broth, bring to simmer, add peas, cook 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble:
- Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Top and Bake:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over filling, smooth top, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until top is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Pin it This shepherds pie became a favorite at our family Sunday dinners. My kids love helping spread the mashed potatoes and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, baking dish, potato masher, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, butter, milk), wheat (flour), fish (Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies). For gluten-free: use cornstarch instead of flour and select gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free: use non-dairy butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 525 calories, 25 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Pin it This shepherds pie makes a hearty meal for any occasion. Enjoy leftovers reheated, they are just as tasty!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or lamb work well as alternatives. For a vegetarian option, lentils or plant-based mince can be used instead.
- → How do I ensure the mashed potatoes are creamy?
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy.
- → What can I use to make this dish gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and verify the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to adapt the dish accordingly.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, adding frozen corn or leftover vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor without compromising the dish.
- → How do I get a golden top on the mashed potato layer?
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking; bake until bubbly and golden brown.