Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Mix in the frozen vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
6. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, ensuring they cover the beef completely.
7. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy a slice of comforting deliciousness!

Best ways to enjoy it

Shepherd’s pie is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a few sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for a pop of color and crunch. A side of crusty bread is also great for sopping up any extra sauce. For an extra warming touch, pair it with a glass of red wine or a light ale to complement the flavors.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your shepherd’s pie fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) if reheating from frozen. Cover with foil to keep the top from browning too much while ensuring the inside gets warm.

Helpful cooking tips

• For added flavor, consider browning the meat with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth can work as well with slight flavor differences.
• For extra creaminess, mix in a little cream cheese or sour cream into your mashed potatoes.

Creative twists

Want to mix things up? Try adding different vegetables such as corn or peas. You can also experiment with different cheeses—like mozzarella for a gooey texture or blue cheese for a more pungent flavor. For a healthier spin, go for cauliflower mash as a topping instead of traditional mashed potatoes, making it lower in carbs but still creamy.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Shepherd’s Pie?

Typically, this shepherd’s pie takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake, making it roughly an hour from start to finish.

Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for a leaner option, and you can even use textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian or vegan delight.

How do I know when Shepherd’s Pie is fully cooked?

You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through. A food thermometer should read at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

With this shepherd’s pie recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Dive into a slice of comfort tonight!

Shepherd’s Pie

A classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Irish

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Feel free to customize with available veggies.
• 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 cups mashed potatoes Store-bought or homemade.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can experiment with other cheeses.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Mix in the frozen vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes.

Assembly

1. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
2. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, ensuring they cover the beef completely.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) when serving.