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Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A close-up of a hearty slice of Classic Shepherd's Pie, featuring a rich meat filling topped with golden mashed potatoes and fresh herbs.
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A comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie with a savory ground meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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 heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add ground meat to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  4. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in frozen peas. Remove from heat.
  7. While the meat mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  8. Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  9. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Notes

  • For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the flour.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish before topping with mashed potatoes.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/classic-shepherds-pie-recipe/