Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie. This classic dish combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a special gathering or simply craving some comfort food, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is sure to hit the spot. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a standout favorite that never fails to impress.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie in no time. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful dining experience.
Get your apron on, preheat the oven, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For this Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
1. 1 pound of ground beef
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 cup of carrots, diced
5. 1 cup of peas
6. 1 cup of corn
7. 1 cup of beef broth
8. 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
9. Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
1. 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2. ½ cup of milk
3. 4 tablespoons of butter
4. Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1. 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie:
Meat Filling:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn, and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Mashed Potatoes:
1. In a separate pot, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Assembly:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Spread the meat filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Top the meat filling with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
5. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
Feel free to customize this Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Twist:
Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat filling for a spicy kick.
Cheese Lover’s Delight:
Experiment with different types of cheeses such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan to create a unique flavor profile.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie turns out perfectly:
Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble the Shepherd’s Pie when you’re ready to bake it.
Freezing Instructions:
This dish freezes well. Simply assemble the Shepherd’s Pie in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this hearty dish with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish that never goes out of style. With its flavorful meat filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any appetite.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck gathering, or just craving some homemade goodness, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a versatile option that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie:
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While you can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience, homemade mashed potatoes will yield a richer and creamier texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the meat filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans to customize the dish to your liking.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Leftover Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cheesy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup carrots, diced
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1 cup peas
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1 cup corn
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/2 cup milk
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent. Stir in carrots, peas, and corn. Add beef broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
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Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Spread the meat filling in the dish. Top with mashed potatoes, covering the filling. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
