Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie

Embark on a comfort food journey with this Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie recipe, where creamy potato topping meets savory meat filling in perfect harmony.

Whether it's a cozy family dinner or casual gathering, this Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie brings British pub fare right to your table with its hearty layers.

Perfect for cold evenings or whenever you need comfort food, this recipe captures the essence of traditional shepherd's pie. Ready to create the ultimate cheesy comfort dish? Let's dive into this warming and utterly rewarding recipe.

Master the Art of Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie

This Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie isn't just another casserole – it's a perfect fusion of textures and flavors. The combination of sharp cheddar and seasoned meat creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Here's your guide to creating this spectacular Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie, complete with professional tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Serving Suggestions for Cheddar Shepherd's Pie:

• Pair with crusty bread
• Serve with green salad
• Add extra gravy
• Include roasted vegetables
• Present in individual ramekins

Pro Tips for Perfect Shepherd's Pie:

1. Potato Technique: Rice potatoes while hot
2. Cheese Selection: Use sharp cheddar
3. Meat Browning: Develop good color
4. Vegetable Size: Dice uniformly
5. Assembly Method: Cool filling before topping

Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie Recipe:

• Preparation time: 45 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Equipment: 9x13 baking dish, potato masher

Transform your kitchen into a British pub with this spectacular Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie.

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd's pie)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Make the mashed potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes well and return to the hot pot. Add butter and mash until mostly smooth. Stir in sour cream, warm milk, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
7. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
8. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
9. Gradually stir in beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
10. Stir in frozen peas, corn, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
11. Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the meat filling, using a spatula to create an even layer. Create texture on the surface with a fork if desired.
12. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
13. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
14. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley.

Ready to Enjoy!

This Cheesy Cheddar Shepherd's Pie offers an incredible combination of flavors that will comfort any soul. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy potatoes and savory meat.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigeration: Keep covered for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Wrap well up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm until heated through
• Make Ahead: Prepare components separately

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