Smoky Bacon Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash 🥔✨

 New Recipe: Smoky Bacon Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash 🥔✨

Ingredients:

• 

  For the filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the cheddar mash topping:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
   • Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes to combine.
   • Pour in the stock and let simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the peas and bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the cheddar mash topping:

   • While the filling cooks, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
   • Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the shepherd’s pie:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spoon the meat filling into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the cheddar mash, smoothing it out or creating peaks with a fork for texture.

4. Bake:

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling around the edges.

5. Serve:

   • Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

---

Optional Variations:

• Swap lamb or beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the mash for a hint of spice.
• Mix grated Parmesan into the topping for extra richness.