Shepherds Pie With Mashed Potatoes (Printable)

Seasoned meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Filling

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→ Mashed Potato Topping

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# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
03 - Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
04 - While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened.
05 - Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat.
07 - Pour in broth and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Add peas and corn, stir, and cook 2–3 minutes more. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Transfer the meat filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
09 - Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread smoothly to cover the filling. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispy finish.
10 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
11 - Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Hints:

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  • It transforms simple ingredients into something that feels like a special occasion without requiring any fancy techniques
  • The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy weeks
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  • The fork ridges on the potatoes are not just for looks, they create extra crispy edges that everyone fights over
  • Draining any excess fat from the meat keeps the filling from becoming greasy while it bakes
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  • For gluten-free, swap the flour for cornstarch and double-check your Worcestershire sauce label
  • Season the meat filling more aggressively than you think necessary, because the potatoes will mellow everything out
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