Save to Pinterest A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
This recipe became a favorite in our house for both the cozy flavor and the crowd-pleasing cheesy topping. Even picky eaters ask for seconds whenever I bake it for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb) (you can use turkey or 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes), then drain well.
- Mash 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 Meat and Aromatics:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasoning:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Thicken Sauce:
- 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; cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble Pie:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm or 8x8 inch) and spread evenly.
- Add Mashed Topping:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 to 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 pie after a busy day always brings smiles to the table. It's a go-to comfort meal my kids now request when grandparents visit, making it extra special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed green vegetables to add color and balance to your meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
Variations
Try swapping the ground beef for lentils or plant-based mince, or mix cheeses for new flavors in the topping.
Save to Pinterest This shepherds pie brings warmth and richness to your table. Enjoy each bite for both the taste and the comfort it gives.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based mince work well as alternatives without compromising flavor.
- → How do I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?
Use butter and milk to mash the potatoes, then fold in shredded cheddar for a rich, smooth texture.
- → What seasonings enhance the filling's flavor?
Dried thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste add depth and savory notes to the filling.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Replacing all-purpose flour with cornstarch and using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce keeps the dish gluten-free.
- → How do I ensure the topping browns nicely?
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the mashed potatoes before baking and cook until the cheese turns golden.