Easy Cheesy Shepherd's Pie

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Easy Cheesy Shepherd's Pie, a hearty and flavorful classic with a modern twist. This recipe combines a savory ground beef (or traditional lamb) filling, slow-simmered with carrots, peas, and a rich tomato-beef broth, then topped with luxuriously creamy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar cheese. The crowning touch? A golden, bubbly layer of cheese that bakes to perfection in just 30 minutes. With its simple prep, family-friendly ingredients, and irresistible mix of textures, this one-pan wonder is an effortless weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing main dish. Perfect for busy cooks, it’s all about bold flavors and easy comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for a traditional version)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk (preferably whole)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and carrot to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir until well-combined.

Step 6

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to create a rich, thick sauce. Let the filling simmer for 5 minutes, then add the frozen peas. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 7

Meanwhile, place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 8

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash thoroughly, then mix in the butter, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 9

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 10

Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, ensuring complete coverage and sealing in the edges.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2487.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3316.1

Total Fat 203.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 690.9mg	0%
Sodium 7490.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 233.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.6g	0%
Total Sugars 40.9g
Protein 161.7g	0%

Vitamin D 191.8IU	0%
Calcium 1840.9mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 6921.7mg	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: 53.6%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 27.4%