Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food featuring seasoned meat, colorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, ideal for sharing and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the meat mixture
- 1 lb ground beef You can mix different ground meats for added flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, diced Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup peas Frozen peas work well.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste For depth of flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Use gluten-free sauce if necessary.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- tablespoons Olive oil for cooking For sautéing the vegetables.
For the topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes You can use instant mashed potatoes as a time-saver.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) For a cheesy topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Cooking
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula.
- If using, sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For extra crispy topping, broil the pie for a few minutes at the end of baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for 2-3 months.