Description
This Classic Shepherd’s Pie combines savory ground beef in rich, flavorful gravy with a golden layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies every time.
Ingredients
**Beef Layer:**
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
Salt & pepper, to taste
**Mashed Potato Topping:**
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and flour. Stir to coat.
5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in peas and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
7. Transfer beef mixture to a greased 8×8 baking dish.
8. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, milk, butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
9. Spread mashed potatoes over beef layer.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
11. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead and refrigerate unbaked; bake when ready to serve.
Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
Swap ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional version.