Save 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 on a chilly evening, using ingredients I already had at home. The cheesy mashed potato topping quickly became my family’s favorite part, and now it’s a go-to for cozy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb), or use 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
- Beef or vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp, use cornstarch for gluten-free
- 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
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Boil Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Filling Vegetables:
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Beef:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Flavor Base:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
- Simmer Filling:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assembly:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (approx 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Top and Bake:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over filling, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save My kids always get excited when they see shepherds pie coming out of the oven, fighting over the crispy cheesy bits on top. It’s a true family favorite that brings everyone together at the table.
Time & Nutrition
Preparation: 20 minutes. Cooking: 40 minutes. Total time: 1 hour. Each serving is approximately 525 calories, 25 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Variations
Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian twist. Mix different cheeses or toss in extra vegetables like frozen corn for added flair.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this classic with a simple green salad or steamed greens to make a balanced meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Save This shepherds pie is best enjoyed warm with family or friends. A drizzle of extra gravy on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or lamb can be used for variation, and lentils or plant-based mince work for vegetarian options.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to adapt the dish accordingly.
- → What type of cheese works best for the topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese melts well and adds a rich flavor, though mixing cheeses can create different tastes.
- → How do I achieve a golden cheesy topping?
Baking the dish at around 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes allows the mashed potatoes and cheese to form a golden, bubbling crust.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, adding frozen corn or other leftover vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor without altering the cooking process significantly.