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Shepherds Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

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A hearty and comforting shepherd’s pie topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe balances savory meat filling with a luscious potato topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb (lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1.5 inch chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: While hot, add butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth but fluffy. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or chives. Keep warm.
  3. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef or lamb, breaking apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Add frozen peas and carrots, then pour in beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens slightly but remains juicy.
  7. Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat mixture evenly in baking dish. Spoon cheesy mashed potatoes over top, spreading gently without pressing hard.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until potato topping is golden and bubbly. Optionally broil for last 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make slicing easier.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mash or russets for fluffier texture. Warm milk helps keep mash creamy. Avoid overmixing potatoes to prevent gluey texture. Let meat brown without stirring constantly for better flavor. If filling is too runny, simmer longer or add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Broil last 2-3 minutes for crispy topping but watch carefully to avoid burning. Worcestershire sauce adds essential umami depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal, savory pie

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/shepherds-pie-with-cheesy-mashed-potatoes-recipe-easy-and-delicious/