Beef Shepherds Pie Cheddar Mash (Print View)
Savory ground beef topped with creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection in a classic British style.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1.5 lbs ground beef
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
11 - 1 cup beef stock
12 - 3.5 oz frozen peas
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Cheddar Mash
14 - 2.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
16 - 1/2 cup milk, warmed
17 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Topping
19 - 1/4 cup extra sharp cheddar, grated
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned.
04 - Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in beef stock, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peas for the last 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - While the filling simmers, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
07 - Mash potatoes with butter and warmed milk until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
08 - Spoon the beef filling into a large baking dish. Spread the cheddar mash evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra cheddar.
09 - Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and filling is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cheddar mash creates an incredibly crispy, golden crust that everyone fights over
- It makes six generous servings, perfect for feeding a crowd or having lunch all week
02 -
- Proper shepherds pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef
- Letting the rest period is crucial or the filling will run when you slice it
03 -
- Use a piping bag to create an elegant swirl pattern with the mashed potato topping
- Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any bubbling over