Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy

Introduction

Few dishes bring comfort to the table quite like Shepherd’s Pie. Originating in the British Isles, this savory classic combines tender ground meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy into a single, satisfying dish. While the traditional recipe is beloved, this version takes comfort food to the next level by adding a golden, cheesy topping that melts into the potatoes and cascades over the meat filling with every slice.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home, this dish not only looks indulgent but also provides a heartwarming balance of textures — the savory meat, the fluffy potatoes, the gooey cheese, and the luscious gravy pooling around the edges.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) ground beef or lamb

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup beef stock

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup milk (warm)

• 4 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the meat filling
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and beef stock. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the mashed potatoes
   Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.

   ADVERTISEMENT

3. Assemble the pie
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat filling evenly into a greased baking dish. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the potatoes.

4. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

5. Make the gravy
   While the pie bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve
   Slice the Shepherd’s Pie, drizzle with hot gravy, and sprinkle parsley on top for a finishing touch.

Presentation Ideas

• Serve each slice with extra gravy on the side for dipping.

• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.

• Garnish with chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Gravy is comfort food at its very best. The flavorful meat filling, the creamy potato layer, the gooey cheese topping, and the rich gravy come together to create a dish that is both hearty and irresistible. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead to enjoy throughout the week. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again.