Save A comforting, budget-friendly classic featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a golden cheesy crust.
I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it was an instant hit with everyone asking for seconds
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 medium carrots diced, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping: 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese divided, Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Cook Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add potatoes and cook until fork-tender about 15 minutes Drain well
- Sauté Vegetables:
- While the potatoes cook heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add onion and carrots sauté 4 to 5 minutes until softened
- Cook Beef:
- Add garlic and ground beef Cook until beef is browned breaking it up with a spoon about 6 to 8 minutes Drain excess fat if needed
- Add Seasoning:
- Stir in tomato paste Worcestershire sauce thyme rosemary salt and pepper Cook 1 minute
- Thicken Mixture:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture stir well and cook for another minute
- Simmer:
- Pour in beef broth bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened Stir in peas and remove from heat
- Mash Potatoes:
- Mash the drained potatoes with butter and milk until smooth Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese season with salt and pepper
- Assemble:
- Spoon beef mixture into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over potatoes
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling
- Rest:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Save My family gathers every Sunday to enjoy this hearty dish and share stories from their week
Notes
For extra flavor add a splash of red wine to the beef filling Swap cheddar for a cheese blend or mozzarella if desired Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Potato masher 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Oven
Nutritional Information
Calories 460 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 24 g per serving
Save This classic shepherds pie is perfect for any occasion delivering comfort and joy in every bite
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground lamb or turkey work well as alternatives, providing a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish's hearty texture.
- → What is the best type of cheese to use for the topping?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for a rich, tangy flavor and a golden crust, but blends or mozzarella can be substituted for varying textures.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Adding butter and milk while mashing helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture. For extra creaminess, consider using cream or cream cheese.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate it before baking. Bake fresh when ready, adjusting baking time slightly if chilled.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Light salads, steamed green vegetables, or roasted root vegetables complement the rich and savory flavors nicely.