cheesy shepherd’s pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cheesy shepherd’s pie recipe

I’ve been making cheesy shepherd’s pie for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish is a classic, originating from the UK, where it’s known as a cottage pie.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I like to use ground beef, but you can also substitute it with ground turkey or pork if you prefer.

The key to this recipe is the layering of the meat mixture and mashed potatoes, which creates a beautiful presentation. Once you’ve assembled the pie, you can top it with cheese and bake until golden brown.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. My family loves it when I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

This recipe has been passed down through generations, and I’m so glad I can share it with you today.

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

4.6 from 1766 votes

A hearty and comforting shepherd’s pie topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. The savory meat filling is simmered with vegetables in a rich gravy, then baked until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground lamb or beef
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Place the cubed potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
5While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the diced onion and carrots and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
8Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
9Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir for 1 minute to coat.
10Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, and stir to combine.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly.
12Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
13Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
14Add the butter, milk, and sour cream to the drained potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy.
15Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
17Spread the meat filling evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
18Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread them to the edges, creating a smooth layer.
19Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
20Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
21Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium pot
Potato masher or electric mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat dairy. You can also add a layer of corn or green beans to the filling for extra vegetables. Make sure to let the pie rest before cutting to keep the layers intact.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Works

This cheesy shepherd’s pie is a meal that always works for any occasion. It is hearty enough for a winter dinner but also great for spring or fall gatherings. I love that I can make it ahead and just bake it when guests arrive.

The cheesy top makes it feel special and the filling is so satisfying. For storage, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes to bring back the crispy cheese.

You can also microwave individual portions in a minute or two. This dish also freezes well for up to three months if you want to prep in advance. It is a reliable recipe that my family and friends always enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork in this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use 90% lean ground beef or substitute with ground chicken.

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