Let's Pretend It's Shepherd's Pie

Elevate your comfort food game with "Let's Pretend It's Shepherd's Pie," a modern twist on a classic favorite. This hearty, family-friendly dish brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef or turkey, vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, and a luscious layer of buttery, cheesy mashed potatoes. Enhanced with the rich depth of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, every bite delivers cozy, savory perfection. Topped with golden, bubbly cheddar cheese, this casserole-style recipe is ready in just about an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option with turkey or sticking to traditional ground beef, this crowd-pleasing comfort meal is sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget the sprinkle of fresh parsley for a garnish that adds a final touch of freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for turkey)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer mash)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3

While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the frozen peas, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 8

Once the potatoes are done cooking, drain them and return them to the pot. Add in butter, milk, and half the cheddar cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, using a spatula to smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese lightly on top.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 14

Serve warm and enjoy your 'Let's Pretend It's Shepherd's Pie!'

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2669.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3179.0

Total Fat 183.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 596.9mg	0%
Sodium 4766.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 252.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.1g	0%
Total Sugars 46.3g
Protein 149.2g	0%

Vitamin D 124.0IU	0%
Calcium 1513.1mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 7560.6mg	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: 50.6%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 31.0%