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Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

A hearty slice of Shepherd's Pie with ground beef and a fluffy mashed potato topping, garnished with herbs.

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A comforting classic featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. While the beef mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  8. Mash the potatoes with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  10. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading to cover completely. You can create decorative peaks with a fork if desired.
  11. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For an extra browned topping, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  13. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, prepare the pie up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • This shepherd’s pie freezes well. Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
  • You can add other vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition