Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Shepherd’s Pie takes the comforting classic to the next level with a hearty meat and vegetable base, topped with creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s the ultimate all-in-one meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Rich, savory, and indulgent—this dish is the definition of cozy comfort food.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or lamboniongarliccarrotspeasfrozen cornbeef brothtomato pasteworcestershire sauceflourthymepaprikasaltpepperrusset potatoesbuttermilkbuttercheddarbacon (cooked and crumbled)green onions

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Set aside.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and cook until softened.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Pour in beef broth, add peas, corn, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the mixture thickens.

Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly.

Top with the loaded mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Sprinkle extra cheddar and bacon on top, if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 25 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Swap beef or lamb for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a twist in flavor and color.

Add mushrooms to the meat filling for extra depth.

Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for a crispy crust.

Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne in the filling.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.For freezing, let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best meat for Shepherd’s Pie?

Traditionally lamb, but ground beef works just as well.

Can I skip the bacon?

Yes, but it adds great flavor and texture to the mashed potatoes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely—green beans, zucchini, or spinach can be great additions.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

For convenience, yes, but homemade mashed potatoes offer the best flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based substitute and use vegetable broth.

Do I need to cover it when baking?

No, baking uncovered helps the top get golden and slightly crispy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or make two separate ones.

What type of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack too.

Conclusion

Loaded Shepherd’s Pie is everything you love about classic comfort food—made even better with cheesy, bacon-infused mashed potatoes. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Once you try this loaded version, it might just become your new go-to casserole dish.