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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Easy Classic with Creamy Potato Topping

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This classic Shepherd’s Pie features a savory beef or lamb filling with carrots, peas, and a rich tomato base, all topped with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice potatoes. Place in a saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. While potatoes are hot, add butter, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mash by hand or with a mixer until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and cook another 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef or lamb. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle flour over the mixture. Mix well and cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  7. Stir in frozen peas. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  8. Spoon meat filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading gently to cover. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are golden and filling bubbles around the edges. Cover loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF flour and check Worcestershire sauce. For vegetarian, substitute lentils and mushrooms for meat. Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a buttery flavor. Let pie rest before serving for neat slices. Leftovers taste even better and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, casserole, beef, lamb, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, classic recipe, family meal, potluck

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/shepherds-pie-recipe-easy-classic-with-creamy-potato-topping/