Save It A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
This recipe has been a family favorite for years thanks to its hearty filling and golden cheesy top that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- For the Filling: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb for variation), 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 medium carrots diced, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 250 ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping: 800 g (about 1¾ lbs) potatoes peeled and chopped, 60 ml (¼ cup) milk, 2 tbsp butter, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook 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 Filling:
- Meanwhile heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook breaking up meat until browned and cooked through. Stir in tomato paste Worcestershire sauce thyme rosemary salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture stir in and cook for another minute. 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. 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.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save It Making this pie always brings my family together especially when we share stories around the table while enjoying the warm meal.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version. Add frozen corn or other leftover vegetables for extra nutrition. Try a mix of cheeses for a different flavor. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed greens.
Required Tools
Large pot, Skillet or frying pan, Baking dish, Potato masher, Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese butter milk), Wheat (flour), Fish (Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies). For gluten free use cornstarch instead of flour and confirm Worcestershire sauce is gluten free. For dairy free use non dairy butter milk and cheese alternatives.
Save It This Budget Shepherds Pie is perfect for weeknight dinners and is just as good the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can ground beef be substituted?
Yes, ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based mince can be used for different flavors or dietary choices.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- → What is the best cheese to use for topping?
Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, creamy flavor, but mixing cheeses can enhance the taste.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, frozen corn or leftover veggies can be added to increase nutrition and texture.
- → How to achieve a golden topping?
Bake until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned and bubbling, usually about 20-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).