Shepherd's Pie from The Cheesecake Factory features a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and hearty classic.
Equipments
- Oven
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (casserole dish)
- Saucepan
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Using fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery will enhance the flavor and texture of your Shepherd's Pie, while frozen peas offer convenience without sacrificing taste. Ground beef with a fat content around 80% ensures a juicy and flavorful filling, balancing moisture with richness. Be careful with seasoning, particularly Worcestershire sauce and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary, as they provide depth but can overpower if used excessively. Properly mashed potatoes with butter and milk create the creamy topping that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat mixture underneath. Your copycat Shepherd's Pie from The Cheesecake Factory captures the hearty, comforting essence of the original dish, ideal for a satisfying homemade meal.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and dice potatoes.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes, mash with butter and milk; season with salt and pepper.
- Grate cheddar cheese and set aside.
- Dice onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up with spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour in beef broth; simmer until thickened.
- Stir in frozen peas; cook 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spread beef mixture evenly in baking dish.
- Top beef layer with mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over mashed potatoes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Substitution
The Shepherd's Pie from The Cheesecake Factory copycat menu uses ground beef, but you can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional flavor. If fresh vegetables like carrots and celery are unavailable, frozen mixed vegetables work well without compromising taste. For a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with olive oil and plant-based milk. Your baking dish size can adjust based on portions, just ensure even layering for optimal cooking. Grated cheddar cheese can be swapped with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses to suit your preference.
Tips
When boiling potatoes for the mash, make sure they are fully fork-tender to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. You should drain potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes before mashing with butter and milk. Use medium heat when sauteing vegetables to soften without burning, ensuring even cooking and enhanced flavor. Your finished Shepherd's Pie will benefit from resting after baking, allowing the flavors to meld and making it easier to serve.
Nutritions
Shepherd's Pie from The Cheesecake Factory provides a balanced source of protein from ground beef, essential vitamins and fiber from carrots, celery, and peas, and carbohydrates with a creamy texture from mashed potatoes. The dish delivers calcium and fat from shredded cheddar cheese and butter, contributing to its comforting richness. Seasonings like thyme and rosemary add antioxidants without extra calories, while olive oil offers heart-healthy fats. You can enjoy a hearty meal that supports muscle repair and offers sustained energy.
Storage
Store any leftover Shepherd's Pie in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and warm thoroughly in the oven for best texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground lamb for ground beef to create a more traditional Shepherd's Pie with a richer flavor. Incorporate a splash of red wine into the beef broth for enhanced depth and complexity in the meat sauce. Experiment with sweet potatoes or a mix of sweet and regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich mashed topping. For a vegan twist, replace meat with lentils and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk when mashing the potatoes.
Allergies
Shepherd's Pie from The Cheesecake Factory contains common allergens such as dairy from the butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, which may cause reactions for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes ingredients like Worcestershire sauce that might contain anchovies, a potential allergen for fish-sensitive individuals. If you have specific food allergies, carefully review ingredient labels and consult with restaurant staff to avoid exposure to allergens in this classic meal.
Why this recipe?
Shepherd's Pie at Cheesecake Factory is beloved for its hearty layers of seasoned ground meat, rich mashed potatoes, and savory vegetables, all baked to a golden perfection. The dish's balanced flavors and comforting textures create a satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of palates. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, customizing ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Your homemade Shepherd's Pie can capture the essence of the original while offering the joy of a freshly prepared, personalized dish.