Comfort food brings warmth and soothing flavors to my dining table, and Cheese-Crusted Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect example of this. This delightful dish combines tender ground meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with a layer of golden, bubbling cheese. It’s a classic meal that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Join me as I guide you through creating this heartwarming dish that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Cheese-Crusted Shepherd's Pie

A comforting Shepherd's Pie topped with a crispy cheese crust, combining savory meat and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 115 min

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, frozen peas and carrots, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mashed potatoes.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 calories
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 25g

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First, let’s gather our ingredients. For a traditional Shepherd’s Pie, you will need:

• 1 pound of ground lamb or beef
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups of mashed potatoes (preferably made from scratch)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Next, let’s start cooking! In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, which typically takes around 5-7 minutes.

Once the meat is browned, mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, along with the mixed vegetables. I love to use frozen vegetables as they save time and still deliver great flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, combining all the flavors nicely.

Now it’s time to assemble the Shepherd’s Pie. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Spread your creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top, creating a beautiful layer. I find it helpful to use a spatula to smooth it out. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the potatoes. This is where the magic happens—a melty cheese crust that adds an irresistible flavor.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. As it bakes, the delightful aroma of Cheese-Crusted Shepherd’s Pie fills the kitchen, making it even more unbearable to wait!

When the time’s up, carefully take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great on its own or paired with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your cozy and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

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