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Easy Shepherds Pie with Cheddar Mash

Easy Shepherds Pie with Cheddar Mash in a rustic ceramic baking dish
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A comforting and savory classic made simple. Ground lamb and vegetables in a rich gravy are topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cheddar Mash:
  • 2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup warm whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the Filling:
  • 1.5 lbs ground lamb (or ground beef for cottage pie)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Cheddar Mash. Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add butter and warm milk, then mash until smooth. Fold in shredded cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
  2. Brown the Meat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Transfer meat to a bowl, leaving drippings in pan.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics. In the same pan, add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 more minute.
  4. Build the Savory Filling. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Return browned meat to pan, add frozen peas, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble and Bake. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer filling to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon cheddar mash over top and create swirls with a fork. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the pie rest before serving for cleaner slices. For a lighter version, use ground turkey. The filling can be made ahead and assembled just before baking. Leftovers reheat well.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/easy-shepherds-pie-cheddar-mash/