Cincinnati Shepherd's Pie

Cincinnati Shepherd’s Pie is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining hearty Midwestern inspiration with warm, aromatic spices. This crowd-pleasing dish starts with a rich and savory base of ground beef, kidney beans, onions, and garlic, spiced with cinnamon, allspice, chili powder, and a touch of cocoa powder—mimicking the signature flavors of Cincinnati chili. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, this baked casserole is both cozy and satisfying. With its inventive use of ingredients like frozen peas and carrots for added texture and a perfectly cheesy crust, it’s a surefire family favorite. This shepherd’s pie recipe is as comforting as it is unique, making it a must-try dinner idea for those craving a delicious modern spin on a classic dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this one-pot wonder is ready in just over an hour and serves six.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6

Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading them out smoothly to cover the entire surface.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mashed potatoes.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.

Step 12

Let the shepherd's pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2247.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2860.5

Total Fat 171.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 540.7mg	0%
Sodium 4939.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.8g	0%
Total Sugars 30.2g
Protein 141.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.7IU	0%
Calcium 1336.4mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 5759.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 28.1%