Enjoy a Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd’s Pie, a comforting dish with savory ground beef, vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden melted cheddar cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and comforting – the perfect cozy meal
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Cheesy twist on a classic shepherd’s pie
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and protein options
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Mix in peas, carrots, and corn. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling and spread evenly. Use a fork to create texture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Creamier Potatoes: Mix in sour cream or cream cheese for extra creamy mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweet, healthier topping.
- Herb-Infused Flavor: Add rosemary or sage to the filling for an aromatic touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) shepherd’s pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but homemade mashed potatoes provide the best flavor and texture.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère for different flavors.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans make great additions.
How do I prevent watery shepherd’s pie?
Ensure the filling is simmered long enough to reduce excess liquid before baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
What’s the best way to mash potatoes?
Use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.
How do I get a crispier cheese topping?
Broil the shepherd’s pie for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, a hearty filling, and a cheesy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Try this cheesy twist on a classic today!
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Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd’s Pie—a comforting dish with savory ground beef, vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in peas, carrots, corn, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain.
- Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let cool before serving. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for lamb for a traditional version.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to mashed potatoes for extra warmth.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British/Irish
