Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

This classic shepherd's pie recipe has ground beef, veggies, and mashed potatoes to make the best comfort food! The rich, savory gravy is mouthwatering, and you can make this tasty and affordable meal ahead of time.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion

    chopped

  • 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

    see note

  • 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes

    peeled and cut into quarters

  • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup butter

    1/2 stick

  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper
    to taste
  • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley
    optional, to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Boil the potatoes. Start the rest of the recipe while they're cooking. Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Don't worry if the meat filling and potatoes aren't quite done at the same time.

  2. 2

    For the meat filling, add the butter to a large skillet and melt over medium-high heat, then add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, until just browned (about 6-8 minutes).

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and flour. Cook (stir constantly), for about a minute.

  5. 5

    Add in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid thicken up a bit (about 1 minute).

  6. 6

    Stir in the frozen mixed veggies and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  7. 7

    When the potatoes are almost done, add the cream, butter, garlic, and salt & pepper to a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until the butter has melted and it's warmed through (don't let it boil). Once the potatoes are done (a knife should slide in easily), drain them and add them back to the pot they were cooked in. Pour the saucepan mixture over the potatoes and mash until smooth. 

  8. 8

    Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish and then spoon the potatoes over top. Smooth with a rubber spatula (or spoon if that's all you have). You can use a fork to create texture by raking it over the potatoes.

  9. 9

    Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly, then broil for a few minutes (watch it carefully) to brown the potatoes.

  10. 10

    Let it sit for a few minutes before serving and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

5.0(63)

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 63 ratings

saltandlavender.com
5.0(63 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out? This classic Shepherd's Pie recipe delivers with its rich, savory gravy and creamy mashed potato topping, making it the perfect meal for any night.

What sets this Shepherd's Pie apart is the incredible depth of flavor in its ground beef or lamb filling, enhanced by Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce for that truly mouthwatering gravy. It’s a hearty, affordable meal designed to satisfy, perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.

Prepare for a truly satisfying meal that delivers on every promise of classic comfort food. You'll dig into tender, well-seasoned ground beef or lamb and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all swimming in a deeply savory, rich gravy that's been carefully developed with Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. This hearty filling is perfectly crowned with a fluffy, buttery layer of garlic-infused mashed potatoes, which bakes to a golden-brown perfection, creating an irresistible crust. It’s a dish that warms your soul and truly embodies the essence of home cooking.

This Shepherd's Pie is wonderfully adaptable to suit your pantry and preferences. You can easily swap the lean ground beef for ground lamb to lean into a more traditional flavor profile, or even try a mix of both. For an extra punch of aromatic flavor, experiment with different herbs alongside or instead of the Italian seasoning, such as fresh thyme or finely chopped rosemary. Don't feel limited by the standard mixed vegetables; feel free to customize with your family's favorites like green beans, corn, or peas. This versatility makes it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ideal for family dinners, cozy evenings, or feeding a crowd, this Shepherd's Pie is a standalone meal. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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