Shepherd's Pie Cheese: The Best Melty Topping

Shepherd's pie is a comfort food classic, but what kind of cheese should you use to top this hearty dish? The answer might depend on where you're from. In the US, recipes for shepherd's pie often call for cheddar cheese, while Irish recipes tend to favour Irish cheddar or Colby Longhorn cheese. Whatever cheese you choose, you can be sure that a well-made shepherd's pie is a delicious and comforting meal.

Cheesy mashed potatoes as a topping

Cheesy mashed potatoes are a popular topping for shepherd's pie. This topping is a delicious twist on the traditional Irish classic. The potatoes can be seasoned with butter, milk, sour cream, or even Greek yoghurt.

To make the topping, first, peel and chop your potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Transfer the potatoes into a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft and tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and put them back into the pot. Add butter, milk, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or a combination of these ingredients, and mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth. You can also add cheese to the potatoes at this stage.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable filling in your baking dish. Sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until the topping is browned and the filling is bubbling.

For the cheese, sharp Cheddar is a popular choice, but other options include Colby, Colby Longhorn, Havarti, Monterey jack, and muenster.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed vegetable soup
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups mashed cooked potatoes
• 1 cup shredded Colby Longhorn cheese

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and celery in a skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain and discard grease.
• Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add condensed soup and thyme, and stir well.
• Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes more.

Ground beef as the base

When making a shepherd's pie with ground beef, there are several types of cheese that can be used.

One option is to use cheddar cheese. This can be incorporated into the mashed potatoes, along with butter, milk, or sour cream, before they are spread on top of the ground beef mixture. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar on top of the potatoes before baking for a cheesy finish.

Another option is to use a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. First, prepare the mashed potatoes by mixing them with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic. Then, after spreading the potatoes over the ground beef, top with the remaining shredded cheddar and bake until heated through.

Alternatively, you can use parmesan cheese in your shepherd's pie. Boil and mash the potatoes, then mix in butter, finely chopped onion, and parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread this mixture on top of the ground beef and bake until golden brown.

When making a shepherd's pie with ground beef, it's important to note that the traditional version of this dish uses ground lamb instead of beef. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, you might want to consider using lamb as your base. However, ground beef is a more common choice in the United States, as it is more widely available and aligns with the country's beef-eating culture.

Vegetables to add

Vegetables are a key component of shepherd's pie, adding flavour, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Here are some ideas for vegetables that you can add to your shepherd's pie:

Classic Options

Carrots, corn, and peas are traditional choices for shepherd's pie and can be used alone or in combination. These vegetables complement the other flavours in the dish without overwhelming them.

Hearty Options

For a more robust shepherd's pie, consider adding mushrooms, which lend a savoury, umami flavour. You can also try root vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or turnips, which will add depth and substance to the dish.

Colourful Options

To brighten up your shepherd's pie, include colourful vegetables like red or yellow bell peppers, butternut squash, or zucchini. These vegetables will not only add visual appeal but also a range of textures and flavours.

Creative Options

If you're feeling adventurous, try less common choices such as eggplant, green beans, or asparagus. These vegetables can add unique flavours and textures to your shepherd's pie, making it a truly memorable dish.

Remember, you can mix and match these vegetables to create your own signature shepherd's pie. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Cheese type

Cheese is an optional extra when it comes to shepherd's pie, but it can be a delicious addition. The type of cheese you use is important, as it will impact the flavour of the dish.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for shepherd's pie, and it can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top. It can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses. A sharp cheddar will add a strong, tangy flavour to the dish. Irish cheddar is a great option for an authentic touch, and it pairs well with Guinness stout in the recipe.

Colby

Colby cheese is another option for shepherd's pie and can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that can complement the other ingredients in the dish.

Cream Cheese

For an extra creamy and rich shepherd's pie, cream cheese can be added to the mashed potatoes or the meat mixture. This will give the dish a decadent and indulgent flavour.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or sprinkled on top of the shepherd's pie. It has a strong, savoury flavour that can enhance the other ingredients in the dish.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of cheese, but it can add creaminess and tanginess to the mashed potatoes in shepherd's pie. It helps create a fluffy and light texture while also adding a bit of flavour.

When choosing a cheese for your shepherd's pie, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. A sharp cheddar will give a tangy kick, while a mild Colby will provide a subtler touch. Using a combination of cheeses can also create a complex and interesting flavour profile.

Recipe prep and cooking time

Prepping the Meat Filling

To prepare the meat filling, start by browning the ground meat with chopped onion and celery in a large skillet over medium heat. This should take around 15 minutes. You can use ground beef, lamb, turkey, or bison, or even a plant-based meat substitute. If you're making a larger batch, you'll need about 2 pounds of meat.

Once the meat is browned, add in other ingredients like flour, tomato paste or sauce, beef broth or stock, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

Prepping the Mashed Potatoes

While the meat is cooking, you can prepare the mashed potatoes. Peel and chop your potatoes into chunks, and boil them in a large pot of water for about 10-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. For a standard-sized batch, you'll need about 2-4 pounds of potatoes.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in butter, milk, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or buttermilk, and mix until you get the desired consistency. You can also add an egg yolk to make the potatoes richer and creamier.

For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, Colby, Havarti, Monterey Jack, or Muenster. You can add as much or as little cheese as you like, but a good starting point is 1-2 cups.

Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie

Now it's time to assemble the shepherd's pie. Spread the meat filling in an even layer in a greased baking dish.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling. You can create decorative peaks with a fork for a more rustic look.

At this point, you can also sprinkle on more shredded cheese, if desired.

Place the shepherd's pie in the oven and bake at a temperature between 350°F to 450°F for about 20-35 minutes, or until the topping is browned and the filling is bubbling.

Let the shepherd's pie stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to cool slightly and set.

Storage and Reheating

Shepherd's pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's even said to taste better the next day!

To reheat, bring the shepherd's pie to room temperature, and then gently warm it in the microwave on low power or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

You can also freeze the shepherd's pie for future enjoyment. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions