Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen carrots
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the frozen peas and carrots. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour and stir until combined and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish (about 8×8 inches or equivalent).
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them out evenly with a spatula.
- Use a fork to create a pattern on the top of the mashed potatoes, which will help them brown nicely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
This recipe yields a delicious Shepherd’s Pie that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add other vegetables based on your preference!
