• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Yum Yum Club

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Smoothies
  • Techniques
  • Blog

Cheddar Topped Shepherd’s Pie

Table of Contents

  • 1. Gather the ingredients together
  • 2. Prepare the ingredients
  • 3. Cook the cheddar crusted shepherd’s pie filling
  • 4. Prepare and cook the potatoes
  • 5. Finish making the cheddar topped shepherd’s pie
  • 6. Cook and serve the cheddar crusted shepherd’s pie
  • Nutritional values
  • Printable recipe

Cheddar topped shepherd’s pie! Just look at this beauty. Minced lamb cooked with onions, carrots, leeks, and fresh herbs and then topped with buttered mashed potatoes and mature cheddar cheese. Yum!

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Cheddar topped shepherd’s pie

To me, this is the classic recipe but I know that they’ll be a number of you out there a little perplexed by this statement!? ???? “Shepherd pie does not have cheese!” or “Shepherd’s pie is made with minced beef and not lamb” some of you will be saying to your laptops or phones. Well, I do agree that there are many different recipes out there for shepherd’s pie but for me, a shepherd looks after sheep, ergo, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb (cottage pie for beef). As for the cheese, well, take it or leave it. It’s optional. I just love cheese! ????

Let’s make one…



1. Gather the ingredients together

This is a pretty straightforward recipe to make. All ingredients are listed in the printable recipe below but the key ingredients are minced lamb, carrots, onions, leeks, potatoes, and cheese.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Gather all of the ingredients together | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Gather all of the ingredients together

Note that the printable recipe below provides ingredient measurements for a cheese topped shepherd’s pie that serves 6 people. I actually made 4 large individual shepherd’s pies when I made this recipe. The only reason I did this is that I was eating alone that evening ???? so I thought I’d make enough for 3 additional large individual pies that I could then freeze.


2. Prepare the ingredients

The only preparation required before starting the cooking is to finely chop the onions, carrots, leeks, and thyme, and grate the cheese. Also, turn the oven on to heat up to 200C / 180C Fan / 400F.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Prepare the ingredients | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Prepare the ingredients



3. Cook the cheddar crusted shepherd’s pie filling

To make the shepherd’s pie filling start by heating the oil and half of the butter in a large saucepan. Once hot set the heat to medium and sweat off the onions.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Sweat the onions | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Sweat the onions

Once the onions are soft and start to brown, add the carrots and leeks.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the carrots and leeks

Add the carrots and leeks

Cook the carrots and leeks until they start to soften.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Soften the carrots and leeks

Soften the carrots and leeks

Once the carrots and leeks are soft, add the lean lamb mince and season.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the minced lamb

Add the minced lamb



Cook the lamb mince through until it is sealed all over.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Cook the minced lamb

Cook the minced lamb

Once the lamb is cooked add the lamb stock and herbs. Cook this through and reduce some of the juices so the filling becomes a thickened gravy. This is optional but one way of getting a good flavor, and cheating a little on the reduction, is to thicken the cooked lamb mixture with lamb or chicken thickening granules.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Cook the minced lamb

Cook the minced lamb

Once the shepherd’s pie filling is ready, transfer it into a baking dish, or, for me, individual baking dishes.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Spoon into the baking dish

Spoon into the baking dish



4. Prepare and cook the potatoes

The first thing to do is to peel the potatoes and place in the saucepan and cover with water.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Boil the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Boil the potatoes

Add some salt to the water and then boil until soft. The potatoes should break in half if prodded with a knife. Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Place the potatoes in a bowl | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Place the potatoes in a bowl

Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the potatoes.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Mash the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Mash the potatoes

Now, add the milk and remaining butter.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Add the butter and milk to the potatoes

Mix all of this together until the potatoes come to a creamy texture.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Season and cream the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Season and cream the potatoes


5. Finish making the cheddar topped shepherd’s pie

With the potato nice and creamy, spoon the potato onto the shepherd’s pie filling.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Spoon to the potato onto the lamb | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Spoon to the potato onto the lamb

Smooth the potato using a pallet knife.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Smooth the potato | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Smooth the potato

Finally, top with the grated cheddar cheese.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the grated cheese | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Add the grated cheese



6. Cook and serve the cheddar crusted shepherd’s pie

The shepherd’s pie is now ready to cook. Place it in the oven for at least 30 minutes and until the cheddar cheese has crusted on top.

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Bake for 30 minutes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

Bake for 30 minutes

And that’s it foodie fans. Cheddar topped shepherd’s pie. A classic recipe in whatever form it takes. Make individual ones as I did and freeze for later. Or make a big family pie and enjoy served with seasonal vegetables and good conversation. Whichever way you know this recipe will be a winner. Yum!

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/

I do hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed eating it!? If you’d like to be kept up to date with all of The Yum Yum Club’s recipes just subscribe to our newsletter at the top of the page. Otherwise, you can always follow us on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram by clicking the link and selecting “follow”.

For other great lamb recipes why not try The Yum Yum Club’s Lamb Burgers, Pot Roast Lamb Shanks, or, my personal favourite, Aromatic Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb. Just click on the link to be taken straight to the recipe.

As always, many thanks for reading and until the next installment… Steve.

Nutritional values



Printable recipe

 

Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
Print
Cheddar Topped Shepherd's Pie
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

Classic cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Succulent minced lamb mixed with chopped vegetables and herbs. Topped with cheese potato. Yum!

Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: English
Keyword: lamb, shepherd's pie
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 35 oz lean minced lamb Metric, 1 kg
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 leeks, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup butter Metric, 150 grams
  • ½ cup milk Metric, 100 ml
  • 1 lamb stock cube
  • 35 oz potatoes, Maris Piper or similar Metric, 1 kg
  • 1 tsp thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning
  • 9 oz cheddar cheese Metric, 250 grams
Instructions
  1. First, gather all of the ingredients together.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Gather all of the ingredients together | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  2. Finely chop the onion, carrot, leeks and thyme. Also, grate the cheese.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Prepare the ingredients | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  3. Peel the potatoes and place in a pan of seasoned water ready to boil.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Boil the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  4. Turn the oven in to 200C/180C Fan/400F

  5. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the butter. When hot add the onions and sweat off until soft.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Sweat the onions | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  6. Add the carrots and leeks.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the carrots and leeks
  7. Cook the carrots and leeks until soft.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Soften the carrots and leeks
  8. Add the minced lamb and season.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the minced lamb
  9. Brown the minced lamb and add the stock cube and herbs. Cook though for 5-10 minutes. Reduce the liquid or thicken with lamb or chicken stock granules.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Cook the minced lamb
  10. Transfer the lamb to baking dishes.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Spoon into the baking dish
  11. Boil the potatoes and transfer to a mixing bowl.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Place the potatoes in a bowl | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  12. Smash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Mash the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  13. Add the milk and remaining butter.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  14. Mix to cream the potatoes.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Season and cream the potatoes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  15. Spoon the potatoes into the shepherd's pie.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Spoon to the potato onto the lamb | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  16. Smooth the potato with a pallet knife.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Smooth the potato | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  17. Cover the top with grated cheese.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Add the grated cheese | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  18. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese has crusted.

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. Bake for 30 minutes | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/
  19. And there you have it. Cheddar crusted shepherd's pie. Enjoy on your own or as a family meal. Yum!

    Cheddar topped shepherd's pie. | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/05/16/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie/




Leave a Comment

About Steve Deacon

Hi, I'm Steve, a former member of the dreaded corporate world who's decided to give it all up and do something I wanted to do for a change! My wife, Jen (and yes, I am well and truly punching above my weight) and I live in a sleepy little town in the middle of the UK and our favourite things are...food and wine!!

Previous Post: « April 2019 Business Report
Next Post: Streaky & Apple Pork Tenderloin »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

6 of the Best Single Pot Chicken Recipes

https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/03/12/chicken-thigh-curry/

Black Pepper and Garlic Chicken Thigh Curry

This creamy chicken gnocchi recipe brings the taste of Italy right to your own kitchen. Black olives. Sun-dried tomatoes. Baby spinach. Sounds good right? Yum! | theyumyumclub.com

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Tips for Preparing Most Delicious Roasted Chicken

Tips for Preparing Most Delicious Roasted Chicken

Top 5 Delicious Recipes to Try While Maintaining a Keto Diet

Top 5 Delicious Recipes to Try While Maintaining a Keto Diet

Classic coq au vin. It doesn't get much more French than this. Simple to make. Just click and follow this step by step guide and you'll be walking down the Champs Elysees in time for dinner. Yum! | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/02/02/coq-au-vin/

Classical Syrah Coq Au Vin

This Chinese chicken thigh recipe is so simple and wonderfully tasty. A marinade of honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and sesame. Sounds fantastic right? Yum! | theyumyumclub.com

Chinese Chicken Thighs

Kitchen Calculators

Kitchen Calculator. Convert oven temperatures | https://personalcalculator.net/oven-temperature-calculator/

Popular Recipes

Parmesan & Paprika Haddock Baked in Garlic Butter. Gather the ingredients together | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/04/29/parmesan-paprika-haddock-garlic-butter/

Parmesan & Paprika Haddock Baked in Garlic Butter

April 29, 2019 14 Comments

This honey soy pork tenderloin recipe is a magnificent fusion of flavours from east and west. Honey, soy, thyme, rosemary, garlic. It has them all and more! Yum!

Honey Soy Pork Tenderloin

April 4, 2019 7 Comments

Extra soft and chewy flapjacks | https://theyumyumclub.com/2019/06/01/extra-soft-and-chewy-flapjacks/

Extra Soft and Chewy Flapjacks

June 1, 2019 6 Comments

How to make this wonderful healthy breakfast of smoked haddock and poached eggs. Hardly any fat or carbs! A very healthy Yum!! | https://theyumyumclub.com

Smoked Haddock and Poached Eggs

November 27, 2018 6 Comments

Footer

– AMAZON AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER –

theyumyumclub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Recent Posts

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Delicious Paleo Chicken Alfredo Recipes
  • 8 Best Cooking Shows of All Time
  • The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Baking
  • Healthy Recipes For Weight Loss And Muscle Gain
  • The Importance of Properly Storing Leftovers: Tips for Safe and Delicious Meals
  • About
  • Business Diary
  • Calculators

info[at]theyumyumclub[dot]com

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Theyumyumclub.com Copyright © 2023 · Sitemap · Log in

en English
ar Arabicbs Bosnianzh-CN Chinese (Simplified)nl Dutchen Englishtl Filipinofr Frenchde Germanel Greekhu Hungarianit Italianja Japanesepl Polishpt Portuguesero Romanianru Russianes Spanishth Thaitr Turkishuk Ukrainian