Shepherds Pie Comforting Meat (Print Version)

A warm casserole layered with seasoned meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potato topping baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredients List:

→ Meat Filling

01 - 2 lbs ground beef or ground lamb
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 1 cup frozen peas
06 - 1 cup frozen corn
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 1 cup beef or chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Mashed Potato Topping

15 - 2½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - ½ cup whole milk
18 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil peeled and chunked potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash the cooked potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and diced carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir to coat.
07 - Pour in broth and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add frozen peas and corn, stir well, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Transfer the meat filling evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
09 - Spoon mashed potatoes over the meat filling and spread evenly. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface for a crispy finish.
10 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of velvety mashed potatoes and savory, herb infused meat underneath creates pure comfort food magic
  • It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep Sunday
  • The golden, crispy ridges on top are the best part, so do not skip the fork technique
02 -
  • The potato layer needs to be completely cool before you spread it, otherwise it will mix with the meat filling
  • Drain any excess fat from the meat before adding the flour, otherwise your filling will be greasy
  • Create deep ridges with your fork, because those crispy bits are what everyone fights over
03 -
  • Use a mix of beef and lamb if you want to experience what authentic shepherds pie should taste like
  • The Worcestershire sauce is non negotiable, it is what elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary
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