Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy

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🥧 Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy

📝 Introduction

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy is a rich, comforting, and hearty baked dish made with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and savory gravy. It is the perfect family dinner — warm, filling, and packed with flavor in every bite.

This dish combines creamy, cheesy textures with savory meat and silky gravy, making it ideal for cozy evenings, gatherings, or special comfort meals.

📜 History of Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie originated in the United Kingdom and Ireland during the late 1700s. It was created as a practical way to use leftover roasted meat.

  • Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.
  • When made with beef, it is technically called Cottage Pie.

Farmers and working families loved this dish because it was affordable, filling, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or lamb)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • ½ cup peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Extra Gravy (Optional):

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter

👩‍🍳 Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until soft.
  2. Drain and mash with butter and milk.
  3. Add salt and mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in half the cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add tomato paste and flour; mix well.
  6. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring.
  7. Add peas, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  3. Layer mashed potatoes over the top.
  4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispy cheese topping.

🍲 How It Forms (Layer Formation)

  1. Bottom Layer – Savory meat and vegetable filling
  2. Middle Layer – Thick, rich gravy
  3. Top Layer – Creamy mashed potatoes
  4. Final Touch – Melted golden cheese

When baked, the layers blend together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting structure.

❤️ Benefits

  • High in protein from meat
  • Provides energy from potatoes
  • Contains vitamins from vegetables
  • Calcium from cheese
  • Perfect balanced comfort meal

🥗 Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 450–550 kcal
  • Protein: 25–30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40–45g
  • Fat: 25–30g
  • Fiber: 4–6g

(Nutrition varies depending on ingredients used.)

🧡 Why People Love It

  • Comforting and filling
  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Perfect for cold weather
  • Easy to prepare ahead
  • Great for leftovers

This dish is loved by families, children, and comfort food lovers around the world.

🥰 Conclusion

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy is more than just a meal — it’s a warm hug on a plate. The creamy mashed potatoes, rich meat filling, and melted cheese create the ultimate comfort experience.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or simply yourself, this dish will always satisfy and impress.

If you love hearty, cheesy comfort food, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

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