Homestyle Beef and Potato Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. Renowned for its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors, this dish embodies the essence of home-cooked meals. The combination of rich beef, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a meal that not only fills the belly but also nourishes the soul. Making meals from scratch, especially something as delightful as Shepherd's Pie, fosters a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or a peaceful night in.

Homestyle Beef and Potato Shepherd's Pie

Discover the warmth of home with this cozy Beef and Potato Shepherd's Pie recipe. A classic comfort food, this dish combines rich ground beef, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes for a heartwarming meal. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet nights in, it's easy to make and packed with nutrition. Explore ingredient substitutions for dietary preferences and learn step-by-step how to create this delightful staple that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup milk (or cream for a richer taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes.

- Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

- Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add in the unsalted butter, milk (or cream), and season with salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Set the mashed potatoes aside.

Cook the Beef Filling:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots to the skillet and sauté them until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.

- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

- Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks, around 5-6 minutes.

- If there is excess grease, drain it off, then return the skillet to the heat.

- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Mix in the frozen peas and let the beef filling simmer for about 10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.

Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- In a large baking dish, evenly spread the beef mixture across the bottom.

- Next, dollop the mashed potatoes on top and use a spatula to smooth them out, ensuring they completely cover the beef filling.

- For an appealing texture, you can create decorative swirls or patterns in the mashed potatoes using a fork.

Bake the Shepherd's Pie:

- Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. For a deeper golden color, you may broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.

Serve:

- Once baked, remove the Shepherd's Pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This will make serving easier. Scoop out hearty portions and enjoy your warm, comforting Shepherd's Pie!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

30 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings