Budget Shepherds Pie Cheesy Topping (Printable Version)

Hearty ground beef with vegetables layered under creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb for variation)
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
10 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
12 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

14 - 1¾ lb potatoes, peeled and chopped
15 - ¼ cup milk
16 - 2 tbsp butter
17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash drained potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
06 - Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
07 - Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir well and cook for an additional minute to remove raw flour taste.
08 - Pour beef or vegetable broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add frozen peas and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
09 - Transfer the cooked filling evenly into a baking dish approximately 8x8 inches (20x20 cm) in size.
10 - Spread the prepared mashed potatoes atop the filling. Smooth the surface and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
11 - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
12 - Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Budget-friendly main dish for families
  • Can be easily adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets
02 -
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies, check for fish allergy.
  • Potato topping can be made with non-dairy milk and cheese for dairy-free variations.
03 -
  • Let the pie rest a few minutes for easier slicing.
  • Add frozen corn or leftover veggies for more nutrition and taste.
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