Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash – A Comforting Family Favorite
This hearty Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash is everything you crave on a cozy evening. A rich, savory meat and veggie filling is topped with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a timeless comfort dish the whole family will love!
💚 Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ Classic, satisfying flavors
- ✅ Customizable with ground lamb or beef
- ✅ Crispy golden cheesy mash topping!
- ✅ Great for freezing or make-ahead dinners
🥕 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 500g ground lamb (or beef)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Cheesy Mash:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes. Add ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. - Build the sauce:
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire. Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and set aside. - Boil the potatoes:
In a large pot, boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Fold in cheddar cheese and adjust seasoning. - Assemble the pie:
Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish. Top evenly with the cheesy mashed potatoes, using a fork to create texture that crisps while baking. - Bake:
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
🧀 Pro Tips & Variations
- ✨ Swap ground lamb for beef or lentils for a vegetarian version
- ✨ Add a splash of red wine to the filling for richness
- ✨ Use half potato, half cauliflower in the mash for a lighter twist
- ✨ For a golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Benefits
This dish is high in protein from the meat and cheddar, and offers fiber from the peas and carrots. You can lighten it up by using lean meat and subbing in some cauliflower in the mash.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking
- ✅ Freeze: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months
- ✅ Reheat: Bake from chilled at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes offer a lovely sweetness and extra nutrients—great with ground turkey too.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Just ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones, and freeze one for later!
👪 Perfect For Family Dinners or Meal Prep
Warm, filling, and cheesy, this Classic Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for family dinners, leftovers, and comforting cold-weather meals. 🍽️🥔🧀
