There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that wraps up all the goodness of meat and vegetables under a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping. Shepherd’s pie is a classic, and my version, which I fondly call Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping, strikes a perfect balance between rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. The heartiness of this dish makes it a favorite on chilly evenings, serving up warm memories that transport you back to family dinners gathered around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

My first encounter with shepherd’s pie was during a family gathering where my aunt served up her famous version topped with copious amounts of buttery mashed potatoes. It felt like a warm hug on a plate! Since then, I’ve played around with the recipe to create something effortlessly simple yet bursting with flavor. The combination of tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and that oh-so-cheesy topping makes it a hit, whether for a weeknight meal or Sunday dinner. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to bring this irresistible dish into your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time and about an hour of cooking, you can have this dish on your table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The savory filling, combined with cheesy mashed potatoes, delivers comforting bites you’d expect from a cozy pub or a homemade feast.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, bubbling top makes for a joyful presentation that delights everyone at the dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Shepherd’s pie is great for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks, and even as a hearty lunch.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, this dish is friendly to your wallet while serving a crowd of 6!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: This is essential for sautéing the onions, giving your filling a rich base.
1 cup chopped yellow onion: Onions lend sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb: The star protein; either provides a tasty, hearty filling.
2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves: Adds an herby touch, brightening the flavors.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves: A warm, aromatic herb that works beautifully with the meat.
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: These add a slight earthiness that complements the dish.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps to enhance all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a bit of bite to the filling.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This tangy sauce introduces complexity.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives it that lovely depth.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the meat filling, creating a nice texture.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds richness and a hint of sweetness.
1 cup beef broth: A flavorful liquid that keeps everything moist and hearty.
1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots: They add color and nutritional value; feel free to swap for fresh if you prefer!
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of corn offer texture and additional flavor.
1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes: Typically 2 large potatoes, mashed to create the perfect topping.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creaminess is key in your mashed potatoes!
1/3 cup half & half: This ensures a luscious, rich texture in the potato topping.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little boost of garlic flavor for the potatoes!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount for seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a bit of seasoning in the mashed potatoes.
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a delightful cheesy flavor and a little crust on top.

How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

Heat the Oil: Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. After about 2 minutes, it’s time to add the 1 cup chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and aromatic.

Brown the Meats: Toss in 1 lb. of ground beef or lamb. Employ a wooden spoon to break the meat apart, incorporating 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fragrant, stirring frequently.

Incorporate Flavor: Once the meat is browned, pour in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir to combine and let it cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Add Thickening Agents: Mix in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, stirring well until no lumps remain. This combination will create a thick, savory filling.

Simmer: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, along with 1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots and 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to mingle.

Prep for Baking: Set your delicious meat mixture aside, and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Boil the Potatoes: Place 1 ½ – 2 lbs. of russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes, in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Drain and Dry: Gently drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute with the lid on to evaporate excess moisture.

Add Flavor to Potatoes: To the hot pot of potatoes, add 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/3 cup half & half, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Mash everything until well combined and creamy.

Cheesy Finish: Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes; this will enhance the creaminess and flavor.

Assemble the Pie: Pour the savory meat mixture into a 9×9 (or 7×11) inch baking dish, and spread it evenly. Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes on top, and carefully spread them out into an even layer.

Bake to Perfection: If your dish looks full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbly overflow. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.

Cool and Serve: Let it cool for 15 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, so you can cut into perfect portions.

Storing & Reheating

After dinner, if you have leftovers, allow the shepherd’s pie to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. The flavor will still shine, but the texture of the potatoes may change a little; consider topping with fresh cheese to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid soggy mashed potatoes, make sure the potatoes are drained well and allowed to sit in the hot pot for a minute before mashing.
For an extra cheesy mashed potato topping, try mixing a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, in with the Parmesan.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes or even instant potatoes as a topping.
For a boost of flavor in the meat mixture, add a splash of red wine to the broth for a deeper taste.
Feel free to load in more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if you like! Just ensure they’re cut small to cook evenly.
This dish can easily be made ahead of time and popped in the oven right before serving.

With this Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating comforting moments that will leave everyone at your table smiling. So gather your loved ones, whip up this simple yet delicious recipe, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your home. I can’t wait for you to dig into this cozy dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other meats in shepherd’s pie?

Absolutely! While traditional shepherd’s pie often uses lamb, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even make a vegetarian version using lentils or mushrooms. Just ensure that the texture and flavor balance well with the vegetables.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Also, ensure that your beef broth is labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I prep this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble everything in the baking dish and pop it in the oven!

What can I serve with shepherd’s pie?

Shepherd’s pie is quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking to add something on the side, consider serving a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a fresh contrast.

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Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish

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Description

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping combines savory beef and seasoned vegetables under a creamy, cheesy potato layer. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal made simply at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef -or ground lamb
2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves -minced
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots*
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes -about 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
8 tablespoons unsalted butter -1 stick
1/3 cup half & half
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes; add onions and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute.
Mix in flour and tomato paste, stirring until well combined with no clumps of tomato paste remaining.
Pour in beef broth, add frozen peas and carrots and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Set meat mixture aside and preheat the oven to 400°F.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground lamb for beef for a traditional flavor.
You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.
For extra creaminess, adjust the amount of half & half in the mashed potatoes.