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cheesecake factory shepherd's pie recipe
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Printable Cheesecake Factory Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Card

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner/Lunch, Other Recipes, Quick & Easy
Keyword: cheesecake factory shepherd's pie recipe
Servings: 8
Author: Heidi Hecht

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Potato masher
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Casserole dish
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 6 medium yellow potatoes
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ to ½ cup cream Adjust exact amount for smooth but not runny mashed potatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 12 oz white mushrooms
  • 1 lb lamb or beef
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 8 oz red wine
  • 1 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • cheddar cheese, shredded or grated

Instructions

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

  • Peel and quarter 6 medium yellow potatoes.
  • Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  • Add butter and salt and pepper to taste and mash until no lumps of potato.
  • Gradually fold in cream until the mixture is smooth without being runny.
  • Stir in 1 beaten egg for added richness and set aside.

Crafting the Meaty Mixture

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef or lamb, cooking until the meat is browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
  • Clear a space in the middle of the skillet. Add the tomato paste and let it heat up until it starts to change color. Then mix it evenly with the meat.
  • Add wine and give it a vigorous stir to mix in and deglaze the bits of meat stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol evaporates.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir it in evenly until the flour is completely mixed in.
  • Dissolve mushroom bullion in water according to package instructions, stirring until it is completely dissolved. Then mix evenly into the meat mixture.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes to thicken the mixture. The liquid should have the consistency of a nice gravy.
  • Preparing the Vegetables
  • Melt butter in separate skillet from the meat.
  • Add thyme sprigs, onions, garlic, mushrooms, diced carrots, and peas. Sauté for about 3 minutes until mushrooms are beginning to soften and onions are starting to turn translucent. 
  • Add the zucchini and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Stir the vegetable mix into the meat mixture.

Layering and Baking the Pie to Perfection

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F and prepare a casserole dish by greasing it lightly.
  • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
  • Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the meat, spreading and smoothing the top.
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.
  • Bake casserole in the preheated oven until the top is bubbling and potatoes are browned, about 15 minutes.