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Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie

Deliciously Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie for Ultimate Comfort

This Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, with savory beef and creamy mashed potatoes in every hearty bite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potato Topping
  • 2 pounds Russet Potatoes or Yukon Gold for added richness
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • ½ cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt/cream cheese
  • 1 cup Milk any variety including plant-based
  • to taste Salt
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/lamb
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil any neutral oil can replace it
  • 2 medium Carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery chopped
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste or ketchup for milder flavor
  • ½ cup Red Wine or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Frozen Green Peas or fresh peas if available
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Parsley/Chives or thyme/rosemary

Equipment

  • pot
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie
  1. Begin by peeling and dicing your Russet potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot of cold salted water, bringing it to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and return them to the pot, adding butter, sour cream, milk, and salt. Mash until creamy and fluffy, keeping them warm for the topping of your Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until browned. Next, stir in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then, mix in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
  3. Stir in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to deepen the flavor. Pour in the red wine, allowing it to boil for about 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Next, add Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
  4. Once the filling has simmered, stir in the frozen green peas, mixing them well into the beef and vegetable mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish or large skillet, spoon the savory beef mixture evenly. Carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, using a spatula to create ridges and valleys for better browning. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes turn golden-brown.
  6. After baking, allow the Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie to cool for a few minutes—this helps the filling set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is a one-pan wonder that simplifies both preparation and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

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