Budget Shepherds Pie Cheesy Topping (Print)

Hearty ground beef and veggie base topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef (alternatively ground turkey or lamb)
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
10 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (substitute cornstarch for gluten-free)
12 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

14 - 1¾ lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
15 - ¼ cup milk
16 - 2 tbsp butter
17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash the drained potatoes with butter, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
05 - Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart the meat, until it is browned and fully cooked.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
07 - Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir thoroughly, and cook for another minute.
08 - Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
09 - Transfer beef mixture into an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
10 - Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
11 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
12 - Allow to cool for several minutes prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses budget-friendly ingredients for an accessible meal
  • Hearty and satisfying for the whole family
02 -
  • To make gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour and confirm Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free
  • You can adapt the filling with lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian option
03 -
  • Add frozen corn or other leftover vegetables to stretch the meal
  • Try blending different cheeses for a unique topping
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