Description
A hearty, comforting shepherd’s pie with savory ground beef gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to hot pot to steam dry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper to potatoes. Mash by hand until smooth but not overworked. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add diced onions and carrots to the meat and cook until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in frozen peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Top meat mixture with mashed potatoes, spreading to the edges to seal.
- Use a fork to create texture on the potato surface for crispy peaks.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top and bubbling around edges.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
- You can add other vegetables like corn or mushrooms to the filling.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, ground beef recipe, mashed potatoes, winter dinner, family meal
