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Chef Ava

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

This classic shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • baking dish
  • spoon
  • spatula
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook ground beef or lamb in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  5. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Spread meat mixture evenly into the baking dish.
  7. Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid a greasy filling. Let the mixture simmer for the full 10 minutes to develop flavor. Spread mashed potatoes gently to keep layers intact. Let the pie rest before serving for cleaner portions.