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Homemade Shepherd's Pie

A comforting classic dish made with flavorful ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a velvety layer of whipped mashed potatoes, perfect for family meals or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 lb ground beef (or lamb) Feel free to experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup onion, chopped Provides flavor and texture.
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) Offers a variety of textures and tastes.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the savory flavors.
Flavorings
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Adds richness to the filling.
  • 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Deepens the flavor profile.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to your preference.
Topping
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, either homemade or store-bought) Using leftovers? Perfect for this recipe!
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping) Sprinkle over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Stir in the mixed vegetables and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften a bit.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  3. Top generously with the prepared mashed potatoes, smoothing them over the meat.
  4. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
  6. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool before serving.

Notes

Serve Shepherd's Pie with fresh salads or crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.