Creamy Cheesy Shepherd's Delight
This Creamy Cheesy Shepherd's Delight takes the classic shepherd's pie to new heights with its rich, velvety texture and robust flavors. The combination of creamy neufchatel cheese and cheddar cheese adds a lusciousness to the traditional mashed potato topping. A hint of ground mace elevates the dish, while incorporating leftover mixed vegetables ensures you make the most out of your pantry. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal is not only comforting but also a great way to use up extras in your fridge. Serve it piping hot for a satisfying feast that the whole family will love!
N/A
Servings
483
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
mashed potatoes
2 cups (prepared)
neufchatel cheese or cream cheese
6 ounces (softened)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded (divided))
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dry)
ground mace
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
mixed vegetables
2 cups (cooked (leftovers work great))
light sour cream
8 ounces (prepared)
paprika
1 teaspoon (dry)
deep dish pie shell
1 (9 inch) (unbaked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, neufchatel or cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth and creamy. If needed, use the microwave to warm the mixture slightly for easier blending. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and ground mace. Drain any excess fat after browning.
4
Return the meat mixture to the skillet. Stir in the cooked mixed vegetables and sour cream, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
5
Pour the hearty meat and vegetable mixture into a deep 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6
Carefully spoon the creamy potato mixture over the meat layer, spreading it out evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and paprika over the top, adding a touch of color and flavor.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the pie is heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
45g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Shepherd's Delight?
It is a rich take on the classic shepherd's pie that features Neufchatel cheese and cheddar for a velvety texture and robust flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this shepherd's pie?
Each serving contains 483 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I use cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?
Yes, you can use 6 ounces of either Neufchatel or cream cheese, softened.
How many cups of mashed potatoes do I need?
You will need 2 cups of prepared mashed potatoes.
What special spice is added for a hint of flavor?
1/4 teaspoon of ground mace is used to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
How long does the Shepherd's Delight need to bake?
Bake the pie for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and it is heated through.
What kind of vegetables should I use?
You need 2 cups of cooked mixed vegetables; leftovers work perfectly for this.
What type of pie crust is needed?
Use one 9-inch unbaked deep dish pie shell.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 18g of protein per serving.
What should I do if the potato and cheese mixture is hard to blend?
You can warm the mixture slightly in the microwave to make blending easier.
How much cheddar cheese is used in total?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, which is divided during the process.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef and onions.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains 30g of fat.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
What amount of Italian seasoning should be added?
Add 1 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning.
What are the carbohydrate levels in this meal?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the mixed vegetables be raw or cooked?
The vegetables should be cooked before being added to the meat mixture.
What provides the color on top of the pie?
A sprinkle of paprika on top of the cheese provides color and flavor.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of light sour cream.
What goes into the creamy potato topping?
The topping consists of mashed potatoes, Neufchatel cheese, half the cheddar, and minced garlic.
How do you prepare the onion?
Use 1/2 of an onion, chopped, and brown it with the ground beef.
Can this be made as a comfort food meal?
Yes, it is highly rated as a comfort food and family favorite.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is the pie shell pre-baked?
No, you use an unbaked deep dish pie shell.
How should the pie be served?
It should be served piping hot after letting it cool slightly.
Where is the paprika used?
The paprika is sprinkled over the very top of the pie before baking.
What is the primary tag for this recipe?
The primary tag for this recipe is Shepherd's Pie.