Shepherd's Pie with Cheese Topping
Shepherd's Pie with Cheese Topping is a hearty, savory casserole originating from the United Kingdom and Ireland. It traditionally consists of a base of minced lamb (or sometimes beef, making it a 'Cottage Pie') cooked with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions in a rich gravy, all topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and a generous blanket of melted cheese.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced but calorie-dense meal, providing a good mix of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fats from the cheese and gravy. A typical serving is a substantial source of iron, potassium, and vitamin B12, with a rough calorie ballpark of 400-600 kcal per serving depending on portion size and recipe richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 350 IU |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish is a classic example of 'comfort food' that evolved from practical, frugal cooking in the British Isles, designed to be a filling, one-pot meal. Nutritionally, the cheese topping not only adds flavor and texture but also significantly boosts the calcium and protein content compared to a plain mashed potato topping.
