Timeless Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd's Pie is one of those hearty classics that makes you feel like you're getting a warm hug, even on the coldest days. With layers of savory beef and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
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Ingredients for Timeless Shepherd’s Pie
The star of our dish is the ground beef, providing a rich, meaty base. Olive oil is used to sauté and bring out the flavors of the onion, garlic, and carrots. These aromatics add depth and sweetness to the filling. For a touch of tanginess and umami, we mix in tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. A sprinkle of thyme gives it an earthy aroma. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the hearty flavors. The potatoes, combined with milk, butter, and a bit of salt, make the creamy topping that seals all the flavors in.
Timeless Shepherd’s Pie Tips & Tricks
- If your mashed potatoes are a bit dry, add a splash more milk to reach desired creaminess.
- For a crispier top, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese over the potatoes before baking.
- Make sure the beef mixture is thickened well before baking to avoid a runny pie.
Serving Ideas for Timeless Shepherd’s Pie
This Shepherd’s Pie pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. For a splash of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other meats instead of beef?
- Absolutely! Ground lamb or turkey makes a great alternative.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Timeless Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Walkthrough
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot for when our pie is ready to bake. In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the ground beef. Let it brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as you go.
Next, toss in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Stir everything together and let it cook until the veggies are softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Now, stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit.
Just before you’re done, stir in the frozen peas and season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, as your filling simmers, get the potatoes boiling in salted water. They should be tender and ready to mash in about 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash them up with milk, butter, and salt until they’re smooth and creamy. Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish, and then layer the mashed potatoes on top. Pop it in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before diving in!
Why This Timeless Shepherd’s Pie Works
- Quick and easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for making ahead and reheating later.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Stir in onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5. Add tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6. Stir in frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
- 7. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- 8. Drain and mash potatoes with milk, butter, and salt until smooth.
- 9. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- 10. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- 11. Let cool slightly before serving.