Description
A classic and comforting Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 lbs potatoes)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or lamb until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat carefully.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer filling: Mix in the frozen peas, low-sodium beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Prepare mashed potatoes: While the filling simmers, prepare your mashed potatoes ensuring they are smooth and creamy, ideally from about 2 lbs of potatoes to yield 4 cups.
- Preheat oven and assemble: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish, then spoon and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top to cover the filling.
- Bake and finish: Bake the assembled shepherd’s pie for about 25 minutes until the top is golden brown. For a crispier finish, you can broil it for an additional two minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use lean meat to reduce excess fat and calories.
- For a richer flavor, lamb is the traditional choice but beef works well too.
- Feel free to substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like corn or green beans.
- If desired, seasoning can be adjusted with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
