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Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty serving of Classic Shepherd's Pie, featuring a rich meat filling topped with beautifully browned mashed potatoes.

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A comforting and hearty ground meat and vegetable casserole topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the vegetables after they soften and cook for 1 minute before adding the broth.
  • You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make them from scratch. Ensure they are creamy and well-seasoned.
  • This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
  • Ground lamb is traditional for Shepherd’s Pie, while ground beef is used for Cottage Pie. Both are delicious!

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