Go Back
+ servings
Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar: Comfort Food Bliss

A classic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar, this hearty recipe combines rich lamb filling with creamy potatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing vegetables; feel free to substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 large Onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth; no substitute needed.
  • 2 medium Carrots, diced Offers sweetness and texture; parsnips can be substituted.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic works best.
  • 680 g Ground Lamb For a lighter option, use ground beef or brown lentils.
  • 1 g Dried Thyme Infuses earthiness.
  • 1 g Dried Rosemary Fresh rosemary can elevate the dish.
  • 240 g Beef Broth Chicken broth is a fine alternative.
  • 150 g Frozen Peas Fresh peas are also lovely.
  • Salt and Black Pepper Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste.
Topping
  • 950 g Prepared Mashed Potatoes Ensure they are thick and creamy.
  • 120 g Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded Consider Gruyère or Parmesan for variation.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust the oven rack to the center position.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and carrots, stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 8–10 minutes until browned.
  5. Season the lamb mixture with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, then pour in 1 cup of beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Let the filling simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and fold in the frozen peas 2 minutes before finishing.
  7. Transfer the lamb filling into a baking dish, layer the prepared mashed potatoes on top, and smooth them out.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown.
  9. Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For creamy mashed potatoes, mash or use a ricer; avoid overmixing. Taste the filling to adjust seasoning as necessary.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!