Shepherd's Pie with Zucchini

Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty Shepherd's Pie with Zucchini, a flavorful twist on the classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe combines tender ground beef or lamb simmered with savory herbs like rosemary and thyme, vibrant carrots and peas, and a luscious layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Adding a fresh, zucchini crown brings a burst of color and lightness, while melted cheddar cheese ties everything together with irresistible gooeyness. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this delicious dinner bakes to golden perfection in under an hour, making it a warm and satisfying choice for busy weeknights. Discover how layers of wholesome ingredients create a comforting casserole that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 piece medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 pieces carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 pieces medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 3 pieces potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 4

Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

While the meat mixture simmers, place the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Step 6

Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 7

In a separate pan or on a cutting board, prepare the zucchini by slicing it thinly into rounds.

Step 8

Pour the meat mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Add the mashed potatoes as the next layer, smoothing it with a spoon or spatula.

Step 10

Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini rounds in a single layer on top of the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the zucchini.

Step 11

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the zucchini starts to soften.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2600.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3026.6

Total Fat 194.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 85.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 587.1mg	0%
Sodium 4893.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 194.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g	0%
Total Sugars 40.7g
Protein 137.8g	0%

Vitamin D 57.6IU	0%
Calcium 1313.1mg	0%
Iron 24.1mg	0%
Potassium 7154.1mg	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: 56.9%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 25.2%