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 after a busy day. The cheesy mashed potato topping made everyone go back for seconds. Even picky eaters enjoyed the hidden veggies.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb) (or 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 (or 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
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Mash boiled potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Beef and Garlic:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Thickener:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
- Simmer:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer Filling:
- Transfer beef mixture to baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Add Potato Topping:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over filling, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Serving:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save This recipe quickly became our go-to comfort dinner for chilly days. My kids love helping with the mashed potato topping.
Recipe Variations
Try swapping ground beef for turkey, lamb, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Mix different cheeses or add frozen corn for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad or steamed greens to balance the richness of the pie. It also pairs well with crusty bread.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
Save This shepherds pie is sure to bring comfort and smiles to the table. Enjoy the cheesy topping and savory filling every time you make it.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based mince can be used for variety or dietary preferences.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- → What type of cheese works best for the topping?
Sharp cheddar provides rich flavor, but mixing cheeses can add unique taste and texture.
- → How do I achieve a creamy mashed potato topping?
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper to reach a smooth consistency.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, frozen corn, leftover veggies, or peas add nutrition and texture without overpowering flavors.