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A freshly baked shepherd's pie with a golden-brown mashed potato topping.

Proven way to grow a perfect Shepherd's Pie

This recipe provides a proven method for cultivating an exceptional Shepherd's Pie. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and satisfying dish every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 cup milk or cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded optional

Equipment

  • large oven-safe skillet
  • pot
  • potato masher
  • fork
  • baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet)

Method
 

Make the filling
  1. Brown the ground meat in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Prepare the mashed potato topping
  1. Boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until they are tender, which usually takes 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
  3. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  4. Optionally, stir in shredded Cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Assemble and bake the Shepherd's Pie
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the meat filling evenly in the bottom of your oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
  2. Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the meat filling, spreading it to the edges.
  3. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato topping, which will crisp up nicely during baking.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  5. Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat filling along with the beef broth. Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as peas or corn, for added nutrition and color.