Save It A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
This Budget Shepherds Pie was one of the first weekday dinners I learned to make in my own kitchen. It's always been a go-to when I want comfort food using whatever veggies are at hand.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb), or ground turkey/lamb for variation
- 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: 2 tbsp, or cornstarch for gluten-free
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Potatoes: 800 g (about 1¾ lbs), peeled and chopped
- Milk: 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
- Salt and black pepper (for topping): to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash potatoes:
- Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook vegetables and beef:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and meat:
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Add flavorings:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
- Simmer with broth and peas:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Layer in dish:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Add potatoes and cheese:
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save It My kids always ask for seconds when Shepherds Pie is on the table and have fun helping mash the potatoes and sprinkle on the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair slices of Shepherds Pie with a simple green salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, butter, milk), wheat (flour), and fish (Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies). Use cornstarch and plant-based alternatives for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 525 calories, 25 g fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save It Enjoy this easy Shepherds Pie the next time you need an affordable meal that will satisfy everyone and make great leftovers!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based mince can be used for different flavors or dietary preferences.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Replace flour with cornstarch and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to adapt the thickening and seasoning.
- → What is the best potato type for the topping?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds mash well and create a fluffy, creamy topping when combined with butter and milk.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, frozen corn, leftover veggies, or extra carrots can be added for variety and nutrition.
- → How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
The topping should be golden brown and the filling hot and bubbling around the edges, indicating thorough cooking.