A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (2024)

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Do you love shepherd's pie? This classic dish is always a hit with the whole family. But what if we told you that you could make it even better by adding cheese? Yes, that's right – shepherd's pie with cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will please everyone at the table! In this recipe, we will show you how to make a shepherd's pie recipe with cheese that is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

What Is Shepherd's Pie?

Shepherd's pie is a traditional Irish dish that is made by combining ground meat (usually lamb or beef) with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The mixture is then topped with more mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. Shepherd's pie can be served as either a main course or a side dish.

It's great for busy families, and it's a great way to sneak vegetables into your picky child's diet. My husband is a picky eater. He does not typically like vegetables. However, he will always eat shepherd's pie.

Apparently, there are two different ways to make shepherd's pie. My husband said he's always had shepherd's pie with a beef gravy base, I've always had it with a tomato sauce base. There are so many different variations of food that no one set way is correct. I'm starting to cook more homemade dinners instead of relying on processed foods and ordering out all the time.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Shepherd's Pie

There are a few reasons why you'll love this shepherd's pie recipe with cheese. First of all, it is incredibly easy to make – just combine the ingredients and bake! Secondly, it is extremely tasty. The addition of cheese makes this shepherd's pie irresistible. Finally, it is a very affordable dish. You can feed a whole family with this shepherd's pie for under $15.

Equipment Needed To Make Cheesy Shepherd's Pie

A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (2)

Ingredients For Your Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese

  • 1 lb ground meat
  • Onion
  • Can green beans
  • Large can tomato sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Small bag of frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can add more or less if you prefer)

How To Make Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese

Step 1. Season & brown the ground meat with onion. The amount of onion depends on how much you like onions.

Step 2. Put in the casserole dish with green beans, and mix with a can of tomato sauce.

Step 3. Top with mashed potatoes sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Top with the cheese.

Step 4. Bake at 350° for about half an hour.

Step 5. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (3)

What To Serve/Pair with Your Cheesy Shepherd's Pie

Sides:

  • Steamed vegetables
  • Bread rolls
  • Simple garden salad

Desserts:

co*cktails:

Popular Substitutions & Additions:

If you're looking to add a bit of variety to your Shepherd's Pie, here are some popular substitutions and additions:

  • Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
  • Add in some diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition
  • For a richer Shepherd's Pie, try adding some cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes
  • If you're looking to add a bit of spice, try adding some minced garlic or chili flakes to the Shepherd's Pie mixture.
A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (4)

How To Reheat & Store Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese

Best Way to Store Cheesy Shepherd's Pie Leftovers

If you have any Shepherd's Pie leftovers, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

How Long Will Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese Last in the Refrigerator?

Shepherd's Pie will last in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I Freeze Cheesy Shepherd's Pie?

Shepherd's Pie can be frozen for up to two months. To freeze, simply place the casserole dish in the freezer and let it freeze completely. Once it is frozen, you can remove it from the dish and store it in a zip-top bag or airtight container.

When you are ready to eat it, thaw Shepherd's Pie in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven. Shepherd's Pie will last in the freezer for up to two months.

How to Reheat Cheesy Shepherd's Pie

The best way to reheat Shepherd's Pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place the Shepherd's Pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

This shepherd's pie recipe with cheese is a family-friendly meal that will please the whole gang! It also can be made in advance and stored in individual portions, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Give this shepherd’s pie recipe with cheese a try to see if you like it as much as we do!

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A Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family

A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (5)

Do you love shepherd's pie? This classic dish is always a hit with the whole family.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat
  • Onion
  • Can green beans
  • Large can tomato sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Small bag of frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can add more or less if you prefer)

Instructions

    1. Season & brown the ground meat with onion. The amount of onion depends on how much you like onions.

    2. Put in the casserole dish with green beans, and mix with a can of tomato sauce.

    3. Top with mashed potatoes sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Top with the cheese.

    4. Bake at 350° for about half an hour.

    5. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

A Delicious Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Cheese to Please the Whole Family (2024)

FAQs

Which of the following meat is found in the shepherd's pie? ›

It is usually made with chopped or minced lamb or beef; in either case it may be made with either fresh or left-over cooked meat. (The modern English term "hash" derives from the French hachis, meaning food "finely chopped".)

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie Wikipedia? ›

Cottage pie is made using the same or very similar ingredients to shepherds pie. Nationally Cottage pie is made with Beef mince and Shepherds pie is made with Lamb mince. The name "cottage pie" was first used at the end of the 18th century.

In which country are you most likely to see shepherd's pie served? ›

Since Ireland and the UK had such a long union, contentious as it was, both the British and Irish have love for shepherd's pie, and claim its origins.

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie reddit? ›

The way I learned it as a child and have carried on since is that either pie could have whatever beef or lamb (given the distinction there is a more recent invention) but that shepherd's pie has veggies in with the mince - like peas or chopped carrots - while cottage pie does not.

What is traditional shepherd's pie made of? ›

Classic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that's baked until golden and crisp.

Why does my shepherd pie fall apart? ›

How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? Make sure your casserole dish is the right size. You should also have firm mashed potatoes so it won't fall apart when you're serving. As you put the topping on, don't press too hard, using a gentle touch to smooth it out.

Why is shepherd's pie good for the elderly? ›

If meat is difficult for your loved one to chew, try making a shepherd's pie with lentils instead – an ideal option if you're looking for soft food recipes for the elderly. Cooked lentils have a softer texture and take on flavours well – they're also lower in fat and higher in fibre than beef or lamb mince.

Why do Irish people eat shepherd's pie? ›

It's called cottage pie in the U.K. because they use beef and in Ireland since the shepherds tend sheep, it's shepherd's pie. No doubt, the English put out an excellent cottage pie, but in Ireland it used to be a delicacy since the Irish couldn't afford beef they repurposed any unused veggies and meat.

What is a fun fact about shepherd's pie? ›

According to the Oxford Companion to Food, once upon a time, Scotland made its shepherd's pies with pastry instead of mashed potatoes. Indian cooks once considered shepherd's pie to be a perfect dish for tiffin (a word used to mean a light snack in British India).

What country invented shepherds pie? ›

The dish originates from the British Isles, but some might argue that it is an Irish dish by origin. The name "Shepherd's Pie" was first recorded in an 1877 cookbook. In this same cookbook, it was noted that the dish was of Scottish origin. During the period between the 18th and 19th centuries, money was very tight.

What is the number one favorite pie in the USA? ›

The clear winner for the United States as a whole was (not surprisingly) apple pie with more than 27% of sales going to the traditional flavor.

What is a shepherd's pie called when it is made from beef? ›

Cottage Pie vs. Shepherd's Pie

The main difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd's pie is cottage pie uses ground beef, and Shepherd's pie uses ground lamb. Both pies are cooked with vegetables and gravy and baked under a layer of mashed potatoes.

What is Cumberland pie made of? ›

Minced beef with turnip, onion and swede in a rich, red wine gravy, topped with mashed potato.

Why is flour used in shepherds pie? ›

This shepherd's pie recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy but if you feel like the meat mixture is too watery, add in another tablespoon and stir to combine. You may also try simmering the mince mixture for longer so that the stock reduces down and thickens.

Is shepherd's pie made from beef or lamb? ›

Shepherd's Pie is the sort of food that brings a smile to everyone's face! That saucy, deeply flavourful filling, that creamy potato topping, and that awesome golden cheese crust.… While Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with lamb, beef is just as tasty in this recipe.

What is the meat in meat pies made of? ›

Meat: The "meat" in this meat pie is a combination of ground beef and ground pork. Vegetables: You'll need a potato and an onion. Spices and seasonings: This hearty meat pie is flavored with garlic, mustard powder, dried thyme, dried sage, ground cloves, salt, and pepper.

Does shepherd's pie have pork in it? ›

The traditional meat for a Shepherd's Pie is ground lamb (hence the “shepherd” part of the title) but I usually use ground beef or, depending on what I have on hand, a combination of ground beef or ground pork. Both ways are delicious. And feel free to use whatever vegetables you have or like.

What animals are in a meat pie? ›

'The skeletal muscle of the carcass of any buffalo, camel, cattle, deer, goat, hare, pig, poultry, rabbit or sheep, slaughtered other than in a wild state (i.e. not bush meat), plus any attached animal rind, fat, connective tissue, nerve, blood and blood vessels'.

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