Easy Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potatoes -

When the weather turns chilly and the nights grow longer, few dishes offer the warmth and comfort of a classic Shepherd's Pie. This hearty meal is not only a staple in many households but also a dish that brings family and friends together. With its delicious layers of savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, Shepherd's Pie embodies the essence of comfort food. Whether served at a family dinner or during a cozy gathering, it never fails to satisfy.

Easy Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potatoes

Embrace the warmth of winter with a classic Shepherd's Pie, the ultimate comfort food that brings friends and family together. This hearty dish features a savory filling made with ground meat and fresh vegetables, perfectly topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. Discover its rich history, delectable flavors, and versatile variations that cater to every palate. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, Shepherd's Pie is sure to satisfy any appetite and create lasting memories.

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Ingredients

For the filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the mashed potatoes:

2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup milk (adjust to your desired creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy topping

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

- Add the unsalted butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash everything together until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. Set the mashed potatoes aside for later use.

Make the filling:

- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

- Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.

- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

- Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

- Fold in the frozen peas and then remove the skillet from heat.

Assemble the pie:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.

- Generously top the meat with the creamy mashed potatoes, using a spatula to spread them out evenly over the filling. For an appealing texture, use a fork to create peaks and valleys in the mashed potatoes.

- If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes, allowing it to melt and create a delicious crust.

Bake:

- Place your assembled Shepherd's Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is a golden-brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Cool and serve:

- Allow the Shepherd's Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set slightly and make serving easier. Enjoy your warm and comforting Shepherd's Pie!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4-6 servings