Easy Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shepherd’s pie is quick to prepare and full of cozy, familiar flavors with a delicious cheesy upgrade. It’s a perfect all-in-one meal, with protein, veggies, and carbs baked into every serving. The melted cheese adds extra indulgence, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground lamb
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Carrots, diced
• Peas (frozen or fresh)
• Corn (optional)
• Tomato paste or ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or instant)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Milk or cream
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add carrots, peas, and corn. Cook until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, mix prepared mashed potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Top with the remaining cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
10. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
• Add a layer of cooked bacon bits on top of the cheese before baking.
• Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or lentils.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. You can freeze the fully assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is most common, but any melty cheese like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend works well.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this dish.

Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?

Absolutely. It freezes well either before or after baking. Just cool completely before freezing.

What vegetables can I add?

Aside from peas and carrots, try adding green beans, corn, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to make a dairy-free version.

What meat works best?

Ground beef and lamb are traditional, but ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can also be used.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking?

Make sure the meat mixture has thickened and cooled slightly before topping with potatoes.

Can I bake it in individual ramekins?

Yes, for a fun presentation and easy portioning, bake in oven-safe ramekins.

Why is my shepherd’s pie watery?

If the meat filling isn’t reduced enough before baking, it can become watery. Simmer until thickened before assembling.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food — warm, filling, and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes that elevate the classic dish to new levels of deliciousness. With its simple ingredients and one-dish convenience, this recipe is perfect for busy nights, cozy weekends, or make-ahead meals. It’s a guaranteed favorite the whole family will ask for again and again.

Easy Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

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A cheesy twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this comforting casserole layers savory ground meat and vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar. Easy Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie is hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Add carrots, peas, and corn. Cook until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
7. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and half the shredded cheddar.
8. Spread mashed potatoes over meat mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is golden.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or blends also work.
• Instant mashed potatoes are a convenient option.
• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
• Cool meat filling slightly before topping with potatoes to prevent sinking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg