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Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A close-up of a hearty Classic Shepherd's Pie in a cast iron skillet, with a golden-brown mashed potato topping and rich meat filling.
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A comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie with a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a family dinner or make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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 any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. While the meat mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
  7. Mash the potatoes with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese if using.
  8. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. You can create decorative peaks with a fork if desired.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can use ground lamb instead of beef to make a traditional shepherd’s pie.
  • Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables for deeper flavor.
  • Freeze cooled shepherd’s pie in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/classic-shepherds-pie-recipe/