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–+ servings
This Shepherd's Pie is a hearty and simple dinner made with ground beef and veggies in a flavorful broth topped with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. Classic comfort food for cold weather months or to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Shepherd’s Pie

This Shepherd's Pie is a hearty and simple dinner made with ground beef and veggies in a flavorful broth topped with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese.
Author Amber Brady
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yields 4 to 6 Servings

Ingredients

Meat Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced/diced
  • ½ white onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Potato Crust:

  • 3-4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 lbs or 3-4 cups, diced)
  • 1 tsp salt, (for boiling water)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Potato Crust:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Place potatoes in a large pot covered with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. (Cook time will depend on the size of the diced potatoes.)
  • Drain the water. Mash the potatoes. (I prefer to use a potato ricer.) Add milk, butter, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. (Keep warm.)

Meat Filling:

  • While potatoes are boiling, brown beef with carrots and onion in a large skillet, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain fat and return meat mixture to pan.
  • Add the garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet of meat. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Whisk the beef broth and cornstarch together. Add to skillet. Simmer 3-5 minutes until liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
  • Add peas to the meat mixture, stir, and remove from heat. Pour meat mixture into a square baking dish if not using and oven safe skillet. (I used a 2 1/2 QT casserole dish.) 
  • Top the meat mixture with the mashed potatoes; optional: drag a fork over the top to make small peaks/fancy design. Add cheese before baking for a crispier crust, or 5-10 minutes before the casserole is finished for a softer, melted cheese. 
  • Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until the liquid is bubbly and the top is browned.

Notes