– **Title**: Easy Shepherd’s Pie
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and carrots until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the frozen peas.
7. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
8. Top the meat mixture with the mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly to cover completely. Use a fork to create some texture on top for a crispy finish.
9. If desired, dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your easy shepherd’s pie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Both meats are traditional, but I often use ground beef for its accessibility and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well too!
Onion: A medium onion gives the filling a great base flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots are a milder alternative. You can even skip it and add extra garlic if that’s your preference.
Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color. Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables if you’re in a hurry—just toss them in at the same cooking stage.
Frozen Peas: Fresh peas are lovely, but frozen peas are convenient and save prep time. If you don’t have peas, green beans or corn can add a nice crunch!
Mashed Potatoes: Homemade mashed potatoes are preferred for taste, but store-bought can save time. Sweet potatoes make a delicious variation if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cheddar Cheese: Adding cheese is optional, but it does add a nice extra layer. Try mozzarella or Parmesan if you’re looking for different flavors.
How Do You Create Perfectly Fluffy Mashed Potatoes?
The key to fluffy mashed potatoes is in how you cook and mash them. Start by boiling peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Here’s what to do:
- Drain the potatoes well to avoid excess water.
- Add in warm milk and butter for creaminess. Cold milk makes potatoes gummy.
- Mash the potatoes gently; a potato ricer yields the fluffiest results.
Mix just until combined—over-mixing can lead to gummy potatoes. Season it to taste with salt and pepper, and you’re all set!
How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 lbs potatoes)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, for a total of around 50 minutes. It’s a simple dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for baking your Shepherd’s Pie later.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or lamb. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, making sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add in the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. The kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Toss in the frozen peas too! Season everything with salt and pepper to your taste. Let this simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens up a bit.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish, or if you used an oven-safe skillet, you can leave it there. Either way works well!
6. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
Now it’s time to spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. Use a spatula to evenly cover the top. Make sure to reach all the corners!
7. Optional Cheese Topping:
If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. It adds a lovely flavor!
8. Create Texture:
To make the top even more appealing, use a fork to create ridges or peaks in the mashed potatoes. This helps them get crispy while they bake.
9. Bake:
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for a golden, bubbly top!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and garnish your Shepherd’s Pie with fresh thyme or parsley for a nice touch. Serve it up hot, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option. Just make sure to cook the meat until it’s fully browned and heated through. You may want to add a bit more seasoning, as these meats can be milder in flavor than beef or lamb.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, substitute the ground meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can also increase the veggies—try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make Shepherd’s Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat and veggie filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the pie with the mashed potatoes right before you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the assembled pie unbaked and cook it directly from frozen, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
