Budget Shepherds Pie Cheesy Topping (Printable Version)

Affordable classic with savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheesy mashed potatoes baked until golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or lamb if desired)
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 lbs 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 the oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
02 - Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash the drained potatoes with butter, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and diced carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
07 - Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir thoroughly, and cook for an additional minute to thicken.
08 - Pour in beef or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add frozen peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
09 - Transfer the beef mixture to an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
10 - Evenly spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
11 - Place dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
12 - Allow to cool for a few minutes prior to serving to set flavors.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Comforting and affordable
  • Classic combination of beef and cheesy potatoes
02 -
  • Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version
  • Try using cornstarch for gluten-free and non-dairy alternatives if needed
03 -
  • Mash potatoes until very smooth for a creamier topping
  • Use a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary for enhanced flavor
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