Name: Smoked Brisket Shepherd’s Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups smoked brisket, chopped or shredded; 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup whole milk, warmed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus ¼ cup for topping); 1-2 jalapenos, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; ½ cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (garnish, optional)

If you're searching for the ultimate comfort food with smoky depth and cheesy goodness, this Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes is absolutely irresistible!

The smoky brisket lends incredible flavor to a savory, deeply satisfying meat filling, all nestled under a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping with a spicy hint of jalapeno and plenty of melted cheddar. Every bite delivers hearty, bold Southern flavor and the kind of richness that makes you savor every forkful.

This is a must-try for leftover brisket nights, feeding a crowd at your next potluck, or wowing family with a casserole that's anything but ordinary. The recipe transforms classic shepherd's pie into an unforgettable meal-cheesy, cozy, and seriously crave-worthy.

Inspired by Texas smokehouse flavors and my love for mash-topped casseroles, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your comfort food rotation!

A golden-baked shepherd's pie with cheesy jalapeno mashed potato topping and brisket filling

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Transforms leftover smoked brisket into an unforgettable dinner everyone will love
Creamy jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes add a spicy, meltingly cheesy twist
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend meal
Hearty, one-dish meal that's easy to prep ahead and bake when ready
Crowd-pleasing comfort food that looks as good as it tastes

Key Ingredients for Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Smoked Brisket

Brisket is the star here-a smoky, tender meat that brings incredible depth and richness to the shepherd's pie. This recipe is perfect for using leftover smoked brisket, but you can substitute with regular cooked brisket, leftover beef roast, or even pulled pork. Chop or shred into bite-sized pieces for best texture.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Golds yield a creamy, buttery mashed potato that's perfect for shepherd's pie. Peel and cube them for even cooking. If you prefer, Russets or red potatoes will also work-just make sure they're cooked until fork-tender for ultra-smooth mashing.

Jalapenos

Fresh jalapenos give the mashed potatoes a gentle, savory heat and a pop of color. Finely dice and remove seeds if you prefer mild heat, or leave some seeds in for more of a kick. If jalapenos aren't your thing, try poblano peppers or skip for a classic cheddar mash.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The cheddar melts into the potatoes, adding creaminess and rich, cheesy flavor. Sharp is best for maximum flavor, but mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses-like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack-work too. Grate your cheese fresh for a smoother melt.

Worcestershire Sauce

This classic ingredient in shepherd's pie lends umami and depth to the brisket filling. It balances the sweetness of the vegetables and ties together all the savory flavors. Sub with soy sauce or coconut aminos if desired, but don't skip it!

Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes cooking process

Instructions for Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. Drain well and return to the pot.

Add butter, warmed milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and jalapenos to the hot potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until beginning to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.

Build the Brisket Filling

Stir in chopped smoked brisket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it heat through and absorb flavor. Add frozen peas, tomato paste, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Shepherd's Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the brisket and vegetable filling evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish or large casserole. Spoon the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes over the top, spreading to completely cover the filling. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden, the cheese is melted, and the pie is bubbling at the edges. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness on the potatoes.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

No brisket? No problem! Swap the smoked brisket for hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Add extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or bell pepper for more texture.

Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie

This recipe is naturally gluten-free-but always check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to avoid hidden gluten. If you need a thickener, a bit of cornstarch works in place of flour.

Spice It Up More

Love heat? Leave some jalapeno seeds in, or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the brisket filling for a smoky, fiery kick.

Brisket Substitutions

If you're out of brisket, try leftover roast beef, pulled pork, or shredded chicken for a twist. For a weeknight shortcut, even rotisserie chicken works-just adjust seasonings as needed.

Cheese Swap

Try this with pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend for a fun flavor variation in the mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty shepherd's pie is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or simple roasted green beans. For garnish, sprinkle extra chopped jalapenos, parsley, or diced green onions on top just before serving for added freshness and color.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, scoop individual portions into a microwave-safe bowl and warm in 1-minute bursts until hot, or bake (covered with foil) at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. The pie freezes well-wrap tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until piping hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the shepherd's pie up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding an extra 10 minutes to make sure it's hot all the way through.

Q: What if I don’t have leftover smoked brisket?

A: No worries. Substitute with roast beef, pulled pork, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even meatless crumbles-just adjust seasoning to suit the protein.

Q: Are the jalapenos very spicy?

A: Removing the seeds gives a gentle heat that isn't overwhelming. For a milder version, use just one, or swap for milder peppers like poblanos.

Dig into this smoky, cheesy twist on classic shepherd's pie and prepare to fall in love with every comforting, satisfying bite! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you.