Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potato Topping

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potato Topping

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup green peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 lbs of potatoes with butter and milk)
• 2 tbsp butter (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the meat:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add aromatics and veggies:
   Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the diced carrots and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
4. Create the savory sauce:
   Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the mixture. Then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
   Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes rich.
5. Add the peas:
   Stir in the peas and remove the skillet from heat.
6. Assemble the pie:
   Spread the meat mixture evenly into your baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
   Use a fork to create decorative ridges on top — this helps with browning.
7. Bake:
   Dot the top with butter and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Rest and serve:
   Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Description:

A comforting, traditional dish that layers savory meat and vegetables beneath a fluffy blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. Every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and the taste of home.