Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food dish that warms the soul and brings people together. In this recipe, we’re taking the beloved casserole to new heights with a “loaded” twist. Combining tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping, this Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash is the ultimate in cozy, craveable goodness. Get ready to savor every bite of this hearty, indulgent dish.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash
This loaded shepherd’s pie is the perfect fusion of classic comfort and modern flavors. The rich, beefy filling is loaded with tender vegetables, herbs, and a hint of Worcestershire for depth, while the cheesy mashed potato topping takes the dish to new levels of velvety, melty deliciousness. Plus, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of this recipe make it a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a warm, satisfying meal for one, this loaded shepherd’s pie is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this loaded shepherd’s pie include ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, potatoes, butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. These wholesome, flavorful elements come together to create a truly craveable and comforting dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Swap for lentils or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist (works great with the hearty flavors)
- Cheddar Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella or even crumbled feta for a tangier flavor profile (dietary swap)
How to Make Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash
The process for this loaded shepherd’s pie is straightforward and easy to follow, with simple steps that come together to create a show-stopping dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes, then bring them to a boil in salted water until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Set the cheesy mashed potatoes aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the peas, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. Bake the loaded shepherd’s pie for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Allow the loaded shepherd’s pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set and the cheesy mash to firm up slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for a bright, herbal finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Topping: Stir a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the filling (extra indulgent)
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan (for flavor variation)
- Hearty Additions: Add in some cooked, diced bacon or crispy fried onions on top for an extra hearty touch (flavor twist)
- Flavor Twist: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard (for a flavor twist)
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the entire casserole, including the mashed potato topping, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked shepherd’s pie for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
This loaded shepherd’s pie is a hearty, comforting dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. A single serving contains approximately 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the entire casserole, including the mashed potato topping, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked shepherd’s pie for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as a substitute for the ground beef. The cooking process will be the same, and the end result will be a leaner, slightly lighter version of this comforting casserole.
How do I get the mashed potato topping crispy?
To achieve a delightfully crispy, golden-brown topping, be sure to spread the mashed potatoes all the way to the edges of the baking dish. You can also run a fork over the surface to create ridges that will brown up nicely in the oven. Broiling the shepherd’s pie for the last 2-3 minutes of baking will also help the top get extra crispy and melty.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes you might have on hand. Simply warm them up and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese before spreading over the beef and vegetable filling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this loaded shepherd’s pie is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
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Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash is a comforting and hearty dish that combines a savory meat filling topped with creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb or beef
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Stir in the mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
7. Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, butter, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Spread the cheesy mash over the meat mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
Let the shepherd’s pie sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Comfort Food, Casserole