Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping is a comforting dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. Each bite showcases a delightful blend of seasoned beef or lamb, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy potato topping that achieves a golden perfection in the oven. The heartiness of this dish is what makes it so special. It fills your home with an inviting aroma that beckons everyone to the dining 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

I first encountered this comforting classic during chilly evenings with friends, and it quickly became my go-to recipe to impress guests. Owning a piece of history, as this dish has roots in both American and Irish cuisines, truly elevates any meal. With its layers of deliciousness, this Easy Shepherd’s Pie is not only a crowd-pleaser but also budget-friendly and surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Why not gather around and savor this delightful dish together?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With 20 minutes of prep and just 70 minutes total, this recipe is a weeknight winner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef and rich, creamy potatoes will make your taste buds sing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautifully golden crust sits atop a vibrant filling that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a hearty dinner or a laid-back family meal, it’s versatile for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or make it vegetarian with lentils!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps for sautéing the onions and adds a nice flavor to the dish. Can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
1 cup chopped yellow onion: Onions form the base of this dish, contributing sweetness and depth. If desired, you can use shallots for a milder taste.
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb: This is the protein star of the Shepherd’s Pie. Lean ground turkey can also work in a pinch.
2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves: Parsley adds a fragrant touch. Fresh parsley can be substituted, using about three times the amount.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves: Rosemary’s aroma makes the dish even more comforting; fresh works too, just chop finely.
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Thyme rounds out the flavors beautifully. If you have fresh thyme, just double the amount.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste if you’re watching sodium intake.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A staple spice to add warmth and enhance flavor; freshly ground if possible.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a unique umami flavor. You can use soy sauce as an alternative if necessary.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic amplifies the dish’s savoriness; feel free to use garlic powder as an alternative.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the meat mixture. Gluten-free flour works for a gluten-free option.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: This brings in a subtle sweetness; using crushed tomatoes can work if you lack paste.
1 cup beef broth: The broth provides moisture and depth. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option.
1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots: These add color and nutrition. Fresh veggies could also be used.
½ cup frozen corn kernels: Corn brings a touch of sweetness; you can skip it if you prefer.
1½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes: About two large potatoes, they are perfect for mashing. Yukon Gold is a great alternative too.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick): Butter enhances the flavor and creaminess of the mash. Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
⅓ cup half & half: This adds richness to the potatoes; whole milk or heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds additional flavor; enhance this with fresh garlic if you prefer.
½ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the mashed potatoes. Adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Compliments the potato flavor beautifully; fresh is best.

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

Heat oil: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high for 2 minutes. The oil should shimmer before adding the onions.

Sauté onions: Add 1 cup of chopped yellow onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and avoid burning.

Brown meat: Introduce 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, mixing it with 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of thyme, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is fully browned.

Add flavor: Once the meat is browned, pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and let it cook for another minute, allowing the garlic’s fragrance to permeate the dish.

Incorporate thickening agents: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well until everything is fully combined and there are no lumps of tomato paste.

Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth along with 1 cup of frozen mixed peas and carrots and ½ cup of frozen corn kernels. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Set aside and preheat: Set the meat mixture aside and preheat your oven to 400°F while you prepare the potatoes.

Boil potatoes: In a large pot, place 1½ – 2 pounds of russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes), covering them with water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Drain and rest: Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return them to the hot pot for about a minute to ensure excess moisture evaporates, achieving fluffier mashed potatoes.

Mash and mix: Add 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of half & half, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Cheesy addition: Stir in ¼ cup of parmesan cheese until evenly distributed in the potatoes, enhancing that deliciously creamy texture.

Assemble: Pour the meat mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes on top and spread into an even layer.

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

Cool and serve: Allow the dish to cool for 15 minutes before diving in. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Storing & Reheating

To store Easy Shepherd’s Pie, let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. The texture may alter slightly, but a little added butter or a splash of half & half can help refresh its creamy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that the meat is well-browned to develop flavor.
Use room temperature butter for easier mashing when preparing your potatoes.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes; you want them fork-tender but not falling apart.
For a more rustic texture, leave some lumps in the mashed potatoes.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
This recipe can easily be made ahead; just assemble and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Indulging in a serving of Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping means enjoying warmth, flavor, and a bit of nostalgia on your plate. This dish is not only a delightful meal but also a canvas for culinary creativity. Get adventurous with ingredients, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Gather your loved ones, and savor every comforting bite together!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shepherd’s Pie can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or when hosting.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Some great additions are bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms, which can add unique flavors and textures.

How do I know when my potatoes are done boiling?

You’ll know the potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender. If they break apart easily with a fork but are not mushy, they’re perfect for making creamy mashed potatoes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Certainly! After cooling, you can freeze Shepherd’s Pie for up to three months. Ensure it’s in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure it’s warmed through without drying out.

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Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

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Description

Experience the delightful blend of flavors in this Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping. This comforting meal showcases savory ground beef and hearty vegetables, all topped with rich, cheesy mashed potatoes. With simple prep and cooking, it’s a fantastic option for quick dinners and satisfying comfort food.

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 the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate ground beef (or lamb) into the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Mix in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, stirring frequently.
Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to combine and cooking for 1 minute.
Stir in flour and tomato paste until incorporated, ensuring there are no clumps of paste.
Pour in beef broth, frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Set the meat mixture aside and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Notes

You can use ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy for the best topping texture.