Save to Pinterest A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
This shepherds pie has been a family favorite for years, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is needed the most.
Ingredients
- For the Filling: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb for variation), 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 medium carrots diced, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 250 ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping: 800 g (about 1̌ lbs) potatoes peeled and chopped, 60 ml (¼ cup) milk, 2 tbsp butter, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash potatoes:
- Mash the potatoes with butter milk half the cheddar cheese salt and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- Meanwhile heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook beef:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook breaking up meat until browned and cooked through.
- Add seasonings:
- 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.
- Add broth and peas:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Add topping:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the 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.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this shepherds pie always brings my family together for a warm and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version. Add frozen corn or other leftover vegetables for extra nutrition. Try a mix of cheeses for a different flavor. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed greens.
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 confirm Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. For dairy-free use non-dairy butter milk and cheese alternatives.
Save to Pinterest This shepherds pie is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will quickly become a go-to meal in your household.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or lamb works well as alternatives, and lentils or plant-based mince can be used for a vegetarian variation.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → What cheese options can I use for the topping?
Cheddar is classic, but mixing cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda can add different flavors and textures.
- → How do I achieve a creamy mashed potato topping?
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and cheese until smooth and creamy before spreading over the filling.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, adding frozen corn, leftover veggies, or extra peas enhances nutrition and flavor without changing cooking times significantly.