Save to Pinterest A comforting, wallet-friendly version of the classic British dish, featuring savory ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, all topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection.
This recipe has become a family favorite for weeknight dinners, combining ease and deliciousness in one dish.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Beef or vegetable broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Grated cheddar cheese: 3/4 cup (75 g) plus extra for topping
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash potatoes:
- Add butter, milk, and cheddar cheese to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic and beef:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make gravy:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, broth, and peas. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble dish:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish about 8x8-inch (20x20 cm).
- Add topping:
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Making this dish has brought my family closer, especially when we enjoy it on cozy weekend evenings.
Notes
Pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans.
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese butter milk) and Gluten (flour Worcestershire sauce may contain gluten). Use gluten-free alternatives if needed and always check labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 Calories, 24 g Total Fat, 45 g Carbohydrates, 28 g Protein.
Save to Pinterest This Shepherds Pie is a satisfying meal that combines rich flavors with budget-friendly ingredients for a perfect comfort food experience.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or lentils work well as alternatives, offering lighter or vegetarian options while maintaining the dish’s texture.
- → How can I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?
Use warm milk and butter and mash thoroughly until smooth before folding in the cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy finish.
- → What vegetables pair best with this dish?
Carrots and peas are classic choices, but you can also add frozen corn or other budget-friendly vegetables to suit your taste.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for the gravy?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to adapt it accordingly.
- → How do I achieve a golden crust on top?
Bake until the mashed potatoes are golden and bubbling, then broil for 2–3 minutes to enhance browning if desired.