Classic Shepherd's Pie
This traditional Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly March evening. It combines seasoned ground beef with a medley of peas, carrots, and corn in a rich gravy, all crowned with a generous blanket of fluffy, golden-brown mashed potatoes. It's a satisfying and complete meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare, making it a family favorite.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain well, then return to the hot pot. Add milk and butter, mash until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- 2Cook the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots, sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Build the sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and corn. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4Assemble the pie: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the skillet (or transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish). Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, creating an even layer. You can use a fork to create ridges on top for extra crispiness.
- 5Bake and serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) 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 for a deeper golden crust. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and golden.
What's the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie?
Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. However, in American usage, Shepherd's Pie often refers to the beef version as well. This recipe uses beef, making it technically a Cottage Pie, but widely known as Shepherd's Pie.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture. Just make sure to sauté them until tender before adding the flour and broth.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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