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Budget Shepherds Pie Cheesy

Featured in: Classic Family Dinners

This comforting dish combines a savory ground beef and vegetable filling seasoned with herbs and tomato paste. The filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes blended with butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. Ideal for an easy, affordable meal that brings classic flavors and a satisfying texture.

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Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget Shepherds Pie with a bubbly, savory ground beef filling under cheesy mashed potatoes. Pin
Golden-brown Budget Shepherds Pie with a bubbly, savory ground beef filling under cheesy mashed potatoes. | panpatriot.com

A comforting, affordable classic featuring savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

This shepherds pie first became a staple in my kitchen when I needed something both wholesome and easy on the wallet. Everyone loved the golden cheesy topping and the hearty, savory filling.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb), or use ground turkey/lamb for variation
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
  • Beef or vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp, or cornstarch for gluten-free option
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Potatoes: 800 g (about 1¾ lbs), peeled and chopped
  • Milk: 60 ml ( cup)
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
  • Additional salt and black pepper: To taste

Instructions

Prepare the oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Make mashed potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well. Mash with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
Cook filling vegetables:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
Brown meat mixture:
Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through.
Add flavorings:
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Thicken with flour:
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir in, and cook for another minute.
Add broth and peas:
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Layer and top:
Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish (about 20x20 cm (8x8 inch)). Spread evenly. Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
A close-up of a bubbling Budget Shepherds Pie, the creamy cheese melting over fluffy mashed potato topping. Pin
A close-up of a bubbling Budget Shepherds Pie, the creamy cheese melting over fluffy mashed potato topping. | panpatriot.com

This pie has become a Sunday family tradition, with everyone gathering around for second helpings and plenty of warm, delicious moments.

Serving Suggestions

Try pairing the shepherds pie with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for added crunch and color.

Allergen and Dietary Information

Contains dairy and wheat. For gluten-free, use cornstarch and confirm sauce is gluten-free. Dairy-free options are available with substitutes.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Homemade Budget Shepherds Pie, ready to serve, showing the savory beef and vegetable base beneath the cheesy potatoes. Pin
Homemade Budget Shepherds Pie, ready to serve, showing the savory beef and vegetable base beneath the cheesy potatoes. | panpatriot.com

Enjoy every comforting bite of this classic shepherds pie fresh from your oven. The cheesy mashed potato crust makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or lamb work well as alternatives, offering slightly different flavors but maintaining the dish's heartiness.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and verify that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to ensure the dish suits gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What cheeses can I use for the mashed potato topping?

Cheddar is classic, but mixing cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan can add unique flavors and textures.

→ Is it possible to prepare a vegetarian version?

Yes, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince to create a satisfying meat-free alternative.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Budget Shepherds Pie Cheesy

Hearty ground beef with vegetables topped by creamy cheesy mashed potatoes baked until golden.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
40 min
Total duration
60 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin British

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

Filling

01 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb for variation)
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 (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
12 2 tbsp vegetable oil
13 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

01 1¾ lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
02 ¼ cup milk
03 2 tbsp butter
04 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 02

Cook potatoes: Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 03

Prepare mashed potatoes: Mash potatoes with butter, milk, half the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.

Step 04

Sauté vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Cook ground beef: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break up meat and cook until browned and fully cooked.

Step 06

Incorporate seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 07

Thicken filling: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir to combine, and cook for an additional minute.

Step 08

Simmer with broth and peas: Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, add peas, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 09

Assemble filling: Transfer the beef mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 10

Add mashed potato topping: Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 11

Bake to finish: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles.

Step 12

Rest before serving: Allow to cool for several minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Baking dish (8x8 inches)
  • Potato masher
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter, milk)
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Contains fish (mayonnaise in Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies)
  • For gluten-free preparation, use cornstarch instead of flour and verify gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 525
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein: 29 g