Ultimate Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping
This Ultimate Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef (or lamb) with a medley of vegetables, topped with a rich and creamy cheesy mashed potato layer. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a wonderful way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Enhanced with herbs and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, it delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a comforting weekend feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 (diced (large white onion recommended))
carrots
2 (diced)
celery
2-3 stalks (diced)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon
lean ground beef or ground lamb
2 lbs
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
beef stock
1/2 cup
garden peas or frozen peas
1 1/2 cups
potatoes
4 lbs (peeled and cubed)
butter (for mashed potatoes)
4 tablespoons
heavy cream
1/4 cup
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup
salt (for mashed potatoes)
to taste
black pepper (for mashed potatoes)
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
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1. In a large saucepan, fill with cold water and add 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
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2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash to your preferred consistency. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until well mixed. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Shepherd's Pie:
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3. While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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4. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
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5. Once the vegetables have softened and started to brown, mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
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6. Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
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7. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Season with additional salt and pepper as necessary. Allow to simmer for another 10 minutes, then mix in the peas.
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8. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to an oven-proof baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes on top, smoothing it into an even layer. Use a fork to create peaks on the surface, which will brown beautifully while baking.
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9. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Ultimate Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
You can use 2 lbs of either lean ground beef or ground lamb.
How many potatoes are required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of potatoes, peeled and cubed.
What type of cheese is used for the potato topping?
One cup of grated cheddar cheese is mixed into the mashed potatoes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long does the Shepherd's Pie need to bake?
Bake the dish for approximately 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
What vegetables are included in the meat mixture?
The filling includes onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and peas.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use either garden peas or frozen peas.
What liquids are used to flavor the meat?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of beef stock and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How much butter is needed for the mashed potatoes?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter specifically for the mashed potatoes.
What is the purpose of using a fork on the potato topping?
Use a fork to create peaks on the surface, which will brown beautifully while baking.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
A large white onion is recommended, diced.
How many garlic cloves should be used?
The recipe suggests using 3-4 minced garlic cloves.
Is tomato paste included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste is mixed into the sautéed vegetables.
How long should the potatoes boil?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 20 minutes until they are tender.
How much heavy cream is used in the potatoes?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How many carrots are needed?
You should use 2 diced carrots.
How many stalks of celery are required?
The recipe requires 2-3 stalks of diced celery.
When should the peas be added?
The peas are mixed in after the meat and vegetable mixture has simmered for 10 minutes.
What oils are used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
How long do I sauté the onions, carrots, and celery?
Sauté them for about 7 to 10 minutes until they are tender.
How long should the ground meat be cooked?
Cook the meat for about 10 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
How long does the meat mixture simmer?
The meat and stock mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes before adding peas.
Should the potatoes be seasoned?
Yes, season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can this be made with leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, this dish is a wonderful way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious meal.
Is this recipe considered a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will love.
What kind of baking dish should be used?
An oven-proof baking dish is required for assembling and baking the pie.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the Shepherd's Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is there salt in the potato boiling water?
Yes, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to the cold water before bringing the potatoes to a boil.
What is the total number of ingredients listed?
There are 19 ingredients listed in total for this recipe.