Save A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
This shepherds pie is the one I return to when I want a filling dinner without blowing my grocery budget. I grew up eating variations of this, and everyone always cozied up around the dinner table waiting for that golden potato topping straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or turkey or lamb): 500 g (1 lb), use plant-based mince or lentils for vegetarian
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
- Beef or vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
- All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): 2 tbsp, for gluten-free use cornstarch
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Potatoes: 800 g (about 1¾ lbs), peeled and chopped
- Milk: 60 ml (¼ cup), use non-dairy for dairy-free
- Butter: 2 tbsp, substitute non-dairy if needed
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup) shredded, use alternative for dairy-free
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash topping:
- Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add beef:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Add seasonings:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Thicken:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
- Simmer:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Top and bake:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save This was the dish my kids helped mash potatoes for when they were little, and every time someone wants seconds, I know it is worth the effort.
Budget Variations
Substitute lentils or plant-based mince for the beef to reduce cost and add fiber, or toss in frozen corn and other leftover vegetables to stretch your servings.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad or steamed greens make the perfect side, adding freshness to balance the hearty pie.
Allergen & Nutrition Details
This shepherds pie contains dairy and wheat ingredients, but it can be prepared gluten-free and dairy-free by using alternative ingredients. Each serving provides around 525 calories, 25 g fat, 44 g carbs, and 29 g protein.
Save Hearty shepherds pie delivers comforting taste and flexible options for every table. Make it once and your family will always request it again.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use ground turkey or lamb instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or lamb can be substituted for beef without altering the overall flavor profile significantly.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to adapt for gluten intolerance.
- → What type of cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar cheese is ideal for melting and adds sharpness, but mixing different cheeses can create unique flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute ground meat with lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian variation.
- → How do I achieve a golden and crispy top layer?
Baking the dish uncovered in a preheated oven allows the cheesy mashed potatoes to brown and develop a crispy texture.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Frozen corn, leftover vegetables, or additional peas can be incorporated to add nutrition and variety.