Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a hug — and this Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping is exactly that.

It’s hearty, packed with simple, honest ingredients, and finished off with a golden layer of melty cheddar potatoes. This is the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like home, whether you’re feeding a crew or just craving something real and satisfying. Let’s dive in!

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There’s something timeless about a good Shepherd’s Pie

It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate — rich, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday, a busy weeknight, or a cozy gathering around the table, Shepherd’s Pie just fits.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite from-scratch Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Cheesy Topping — simple, hearty, and full of that handmade, slow-living goodness we all crave more of.

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How to Make Hearty Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

Meat Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Potato Topping:

• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 egg yolk (for extra richness)

Equipment

• I like using this handy little multi-use slicer to make my julienne potatoes
• Cast Iron Skillet or 8×8 baking dish

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the potatoes:
   • Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 12–15 minutes). Then cut into small julienne strips or lightly mash.
   • Drain well and mash with butter, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Season with salt and pepper. Stir in an egg yolk if you are choosing to use (it makes the topping extra rich and golden).
3. Make the filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
   • Add the ground beef or lamb and brown it fully.
   • Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let simmer 5 minutes.
   • Add diced carrots and peas; simmer another 5–7 minutes.
   • Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble:
   • Spoon the meat and veggie filling into a cast iron skillet or an 8×8” or similar baking dish.
   • Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes over the top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar evenly across the surface.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
   • Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra cheesy, crispy top.
6. Cool slightly before serving (garnish if you’re feeling fancy!)

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Cheesy Homemade Pie

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely!
You can fully assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes!
Prepare the pie through assembly, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F, covered, for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden.

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie uses ground lamb, and Cottage Pie uses ground beef.
In everyday American kitchens, though, “Shepherd’s Pie” often just means “comfort food with mashed potatoes on top” — and beef is totally fine!

What vegetables can I add to Shepherd’s Pie?

Feel free to toss in:

• Corn
• Green beans
• Celery
• Mushrooms
  Anything hearty and chop-able works!

Tips for making Shepherd’s Pie

• Choose your favorite way to make potatoes: You’ll notice we prefer the texture of julienne-cut potatoes but you can take the classic route, grab your potato masher and mash them up or you can scallop them as well.

• Potato Ice Bath: Unless you are delegating jobs in the kitchen you may want to make the task of potato peeling easier on yourself. To do this you can boil the potatoes unpeeled and when they are done, pop them in a bowl full of ice water for 5-10 seconds. This shock should allow you to peel the skin off easily. Boiling potatoes with the skin on can also help retain nutrients.

• Support your local butcher! Most times the best meat you will get comes right from your local butcher. This is also where we buy beef tallow to make our whipped tallow products!

• Use fresh vegetables: With springtime finally here, this is the perfect recipe to throw your fresh veggies into as they start popping up in your garden!

Printable Recipe Card

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More Hearty Recipes You’ll Love:

• Squash and Sausage Soup
• White Chicken Chili
• Delicious Minestrone Soup
• Peach Crisp

Here’s to more real meals shared at the table!