Save to Pinterest A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
I first made this budget shepherds pie after a busy week, when I needed a hearty dinner that would please everyone without breaking the bank. The cheesy mashed potato topping always gets rave reviews at our table, and it is the one dish everyone requests when the weather turns chilly.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb), or use ground turkey or 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
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Salt and black pepper: to taste (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Boil 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:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add beef and garlic:
- 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 filling:
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
- Add broth and peas:
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Layer and assemble:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm/8x8 inch). Spread evenly.
- Top with potatoes:
- 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 to Pinterest This pie has become our go-to for rainy weekends. The kids love helping mash the potatoes, and we all gather around the table for seconds. It is comfort food we look forward to sharing together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed leafy greens to balance the richness of the dish. A light pickle or chutney also adds a bright note alongside the creamy filling.
Budget-Friendly Variations
For extra savings, use frozen mixed vegetables or leftover cooked veggies from previous meals. Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheesy top, or make it dairy-free with plant-based ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides an estimated 525 calories, 25 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein. Exact values may vary based on your ingredients and substitutions.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting shepherds pie as an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with loved ones. It is sure to become a repeat favorite for all ages.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different meats in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or lamb are excellent substitutes that offer flavor variations. Plant-based mince also works well for a vegetarian option.
- → How can I make the topping extra creamy?
Use butter and milk when mashing the potatoes, and incorporate sharp cheddar cheese for richness and smooth texture.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this filling?
Dried thyme and rosemary add aromatic earthiness that complements the savory meat and vegetables perfectly.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What side dishes pair well with this main dish?
A fresh green salad or steamed seasonal greens balance the richness, adding freshness and extra nutrition.