Are you ready to transform your dinner table into a haven of deliciousness? This Family Pleasin' Shepherd's Pie is not just a meal—it's a culinary hug that promises to win over even the pickiest eaters! Imagine layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes that create a symphony of flavors in every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, this British classic is about to become your new go-to recipe that guarantees clean plates and big smiles.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the beef and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in diced carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Add peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the meat mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture, creating a smooth top.
- Use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges on the potato surface, which will become golden and crispy when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the shepherd's pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual servings and enjoying the comforting layers of meat, vegetables, and creamy potatoes.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and lamb for an authentic shepherd's pie taste.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat to prevent a greasy filling.
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier spreading and a more stable top layer.
- Create decorative fork marks on the potato surface to help it brown beautifully and develop crispy peaks.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make serving easier.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free and skip any flour-based thickeners.
- This dish freezes wonderfully—prepare two and save one for an easy future meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 37mg
