Rice Shepherd's Pie

Transform your comfort food game with this Rice Shepherd’s Pie, a delightful twist on the classic dish that swaps mashed potatoes for a hearty layer of fluffy cooked rice. This recipe pairs seasoned ground beef or lamb with vibrant vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery, all simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with tomato paste, Worcestershire, and thyme. Topped with perfectly cooked rice and optionally finished with golden, melted cheddar cheese, this satisfying meal is a breeze to prepare and bake. Ready in just an hour, it's a versatile, gluten-free dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Discover a new family favorite with this comforting, budget-friendly Shepherd’s Pie alternative!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the frozen peas, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

Layer the cooked rice on top of the filling, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula to cover the entire surface.

Step 9

If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the rice layer.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the shepherd's pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty Rice Shepherd's Pie!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1967.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2902.0

Total Fat 158.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 482.9mg	0%
Sodium 5787.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 232.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 26.0g
Protein 136.4g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1136.5mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 3241.6mg	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: 49.2%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 32.0%