This Cottage Cheese Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, high-protein comfort meal featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy cottage cheese cheddar mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British-American
Ingredients
Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
2½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Shepherd’s Pie Filling
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
3. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until fork tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Add butter, milk, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and set aside.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook the diced onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
9. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
10. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
11. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir for 2 minutes.
12. Pour in the beef broth and stir until a thick gravy forms.
13. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, peas, carrots, corn, and salt.
14. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
15. Transfer the filling to a 2-quart baking dish.
16. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the top.
17. Bake for 30 minutes.
18. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden-brown topping if desired.
19. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Adding cottage cheese to the mashed potatoes boosts protein and creates an extra creamy topping.
Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.