Classic Shepherd's Pie

x 1

Ground beef or lamb with vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and baked.

If the baking dish is very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days before baking.

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

50 min

Total Time

1 1/6 hours

Serves

6

Servings

6

skillet
pot
colander
baking dish
rimmed baking sheet
Casserole
Baking
Main Dish
Kid Friendly
Comfort Food
Beef
Dinner
Meat

Meat Filling

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cups yellow onion chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb 90% lean
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup mixed peas and carrots frozen
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels frozen

Preparation

  1. Add the oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the onions and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the ground beef or lamb and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  4. Cook 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic; cook 1 minute.
  6. Add flour and tomato paste and stir until incorporated.
  7. Add beef broth, frozen peas and carrots, and frozen corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Potato Topping

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2-2 pound russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (about 2 large potatoes)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup half & half
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Preparation

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until fork tender, 10-15 minutes.
  2. Drain potatoes and return to the hot pot; let rest 1 minute to evaporate remaining liquid.
  3. Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
  4. Stir in the parmesan cheese until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F after making the meat mixture.
  2. Pour the meat mixture into a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  3. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat and carefully spread into an even layer.
  4. If the dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow.
  5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the potatoes are golden.
  6. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.