Description
A timeless comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef, diced vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden brown, creating the ultimate one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
- Brown the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb along with the diced onion and carrots until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and pour in 1 cup of beef broth, then let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Incorporate peas and season: Mix in the frozen peas, then season the meat mixture generously with salt, pepper, and thyme according to your taste.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Carefully spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing the surface to cover the filling completely.
- Bake the shepherd’s pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes have a lovely golden color on top.
Notes
- For a crispier potato topping, broil the pie for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Try substituting sweet potatoes for a unique flavor and added sweetness.
- Use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional version.
- Ensure mashed potatoes are creamy for the best texture contrast.
- Season the meat mixture well before assembling to enhance overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British / Irish
