Shepherdess' Pie Recipe

Name: Shepherdess' Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups bechamel sauce (see note); 1 medium onion, minced; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup cracker crumb (smash crackers in a small plastic bag); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (I like fresh best, but dried will work); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper; 1 teaspoon vinegar; 1 lb ground beef (or lamb); 4 cups mashed potatoes; 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded (orig. recipe called for kefalotyri but I've never found that, any cheese will work, but jack or font); 1 teaspoon paprika

Servings: persons

1 1/2 cups bechamel sauce (see note)
1 medium onion, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup cracker crumb (smash crackers in a small plastic bag)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (I like fresh best, but dried will work)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
4 cups mashed potatoes
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded (orig. recipe called for kefalotyri but I've never found that, any cheese will work, but jack or font)
1 teaspoon paprika

1
Start by making Bechamel Sauce: Melt 1/4 cup butter, then whisk in 3 tablespoons flour; cook for a minute, then slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups warm milk (can microwave milk a minute beforehand to warm it). Cook this, stirring constantly till it thickens and coats spoon. Set aside till ready to use.
2
Combine 3/4 cup of Bechamel Sauce with onion, egg, cracker crumbs, parsley, salt, thyme, red pepper, and vinegar.
3
Add this sauce mixture to meat and toss with two forks to mix lightly (don't overwork meat) Put this all into a casserole dish, level off top and make a slight indent with back of spoon (just like with meatloaf).
4
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, occasionally using a spoon to remove fat that collects in the indentation.
5
Combine potatoes with remaining Bechamel Sauce.
6
Remove meat from oven, sprinkle with the cheese, top with potatoes. Sprinkle with the paprika. Bake an additional 20 minutes.

731

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 cups bechamel sauce (see note), 1 medium onion, minced, 1 egg, beaten, 1/4 cup cracker crumb (smash crackers in a small plastic bag), and more.

Yes, Shepherdess' Pie falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Shepherdess' Pie

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions