Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Ground Beef
Shepherd's pie is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. This hearty dish is made with ground beef and vegetables, then topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Here's an easy shepherd's pie recipe with ground beef that you can try at home.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to a separate bowl.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped carrots and cook until they are slightly softened.
4. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet along with the frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. While the filling is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in a separate pot until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and add the milk and butter to the pot. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9-inch pie dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
7. Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top.
8. Let the shepherd's pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Variations
There are many variations of shepherd's pie that you can try at home. Here are some ideas:
- Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb.
- Add different vegetables to the filling, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Top the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or beans.
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the filling, such as basil, oregano, or paprika.
Conclusion
Shepherd's pie is a classic dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This recipe with ground beef and vegetables is a perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Try making it at home and experiment with different variations to find your favorite version.