A comforting and cheesy shepherd's pie with a flavorful twist, perfect for family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to maintain even cooking.
Peel and boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and minced garlic until smooth.
Use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and ground mace until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Breaking up the beef into small pieces ensures even cooking.
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and sour cream into the beef mixture and heat through.
Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. Top with the mashed potato mixture, spreading it to cover the filling.
Use a spatula to smooth the potato topping for an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and smoked paprika over the top.
The paprika adds a nice color and a hint of smokiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheesy shepherd's pie!
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.