Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Beef & Potatoes -

Before you begin assembling your Shepherd’s Pie, it’s crucial to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the pie cooks evenly throughout, allowing the top to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while the filling heats through. Without preheating, you risk uneven cooking, leading to a soggy bottom or an overcooked top. Take this time to gather all your ingredients and tools, ensuring a smooth cooking process ahead.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Beef & Potatoes

Bring warmth to your table with this Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this beloved dish features layers of savory meat and fresh vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Discover the rich history of Shepherd’s Pie and learn how to make it your own with customizable ingredients. This heartwarming meal not only satisfies the taste buds but also invites everyone to gather and share in the comfort of home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup milk (or cream for richness)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

- In a large pot, add the peeled and quartered potatoes. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.

- Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer. Stir in the butter and milk, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Make the Meat Filling:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Add the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the carrots start to soften.

- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, followed by the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

- Add the frozen peas and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:

- In a greased baking dish, spread the meat filling evenly across the bottom.

- Dollop the mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling and spread evenly using a spatula. Create texture on the top with a fork if desired.

- If using, sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost.

Bake the Pie:

- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

- If you’d like a deeper golden color, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve:

- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6