Classic Shepherd's Pie (Beef)

Name: Classic Shepherd's Pie (Beef)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/4 cup Milk or Half-and-Half; 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided; Salt and Black Pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (85/15 lean); 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped; 2 large Carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks Celery, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tbsp All-purpose Flour; 1 cup Beef Broth; 1 tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 tsp Dried Thyme; 1 cup Frozen Green Peas; 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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This Classic Shepherd's Pie, often referred to as Cottage Pie when made with beef, is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly February evenings. It features a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots and peas, all simmered in a flavorful gravy. This hearty base is then generously crowned with a fluffy, buttery layer of mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown and slightly crisp on top. It's a complete meal in one dish, offering warmth and satisfaction.

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Prep Time25 min

Cook Time50 min

Servings6-8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

Large PotLarge Oven-safe Skillet or Dutch OvenPotato Masher9x13 inch Baking Dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)

Instructions

1
Boil potatoes: Place quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well. Mash with milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2
Prepare the beef filling: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set beef aside. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cooked ground beef, dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in the frozen green peas.
4
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it to the edges. You can create decorative peaks with a fork for extra crispiness.
5
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the mashed potato topping is golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a darker crust, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6
Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories620 kcal

Protein45g

Fat30g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Shepherd's Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire pie (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, increase baking time by 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden.

Can this be frozen?

Absolutely! Assemble the pie in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (this will significantly increase baking time).

What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

Feel free to add corn, mushrooms, or green beans to the beef mixture. For a richer flavor, you can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.