Print

Cozy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Chive Mash

cozy shepherd’s pie with cheddar chive mash - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting shepherd’s pie topped with a rich cheddar and fresh chive mashed potato crust, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) or fresh
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup whole milk or cream (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and return to the pot.
  2. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the hot potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives. Set aside, keeping it warm.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  6. Add mixed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
  8. Carefully spoon the cheddar chive mash over the meat layer, smoothing with a spatula. Rough up the top with a fork to create peaks for a golden crust.
  9. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbling around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Start potatoes in cold salted water to ensure even cooking. Don’t overmix the mash to avoid gluey texture. Let the meat filling simmer to thicken and avoid watery pie. The cheddar cheese creates a golden crust when baked. Can freeze assembled pie before baking for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, cheddar chive mash, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, cozy meal, homemade, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-with-cheddar-chive-mash-easy-homemade-recipe/