
This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, with a rich, savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!
Brown meat and vegetables:Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat in a large, deep skillet. Brown 1 pound ground beef, then add 1 clove garlic (minced, 2 onions (finely chopped), 2 medium carrots (finely diced) and 2 sticks celery (finely diced) and sauté until softened.
Season and deglaze the pan:Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika, ground black pepper (to taste) and 2 tablespoons white flour over the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook, stirring all the time, until it smells roasted (about 1 minute). Pour in the 1/3 cup red wine (OR beef broth if you prefer!), scratching any browned bits off the bottom.
Finish filling and cool:Then stir in 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped thyme and 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary. Simmer 4-5 minutes and then let cool in a 7x11 inch baking dish.
Prep mash:In the meantime, make your favorite mashed potatoes. You need about 4 cups mashed potatoes to top off the casserole. About 1.5 pounds of peeled potatoes should yield enough.
Bake pie:Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the mashed potatoes over the cold filling. (Be careful not to mix up the two.) Criss-cross with a fork for a great look and crispy edges! Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden (I recommend baking on a lined baking sheet to catch any spills).