Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Instant Potatoes
Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy evening at home. This hearty and delicious dish is made with a layer of savory meat filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown.
Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with lamb, but in this recipe, we're using ground beef instead. We're also making things a bit easier by using instant potatoes for the mashed potato topping. This makes the recipe quicker and more convenient, but still just as tasty as the original.
Ingredients
For the meat filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the mashed potato topping:
- 2 cups instant mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, pepper, frozen mixed vegetables, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
6. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
8. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, and spread them evenly to cover the entire surface.
9. Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
This easy shepherd's pie recipe with instant potatoes is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. The combination of savory meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Plus, using instant potatoes makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare, without sacrificing any flavor. Give it a try and see for yourself!
