Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Ground Beef: A Comfort Food Classic
Shepherd's pie, a hearty and comforting dish, is a beloved classic for a reason. This recipe focuses on a delicious ground beef version, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. We'll cover everything from perfectly seasoned meat to a fluffy mashed potato topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes enough to serve 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Beef Filling:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash and Cream: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth. Stir in the milk and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:
- Layer and Top: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. You can use a fork to create a textured surface, or leave it smooth.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the shepherd's pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Shepherd's Pie:
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can be dry. Aim for a tender, flavorful filling.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms to the beef filling.
- Make it ahead: The shepherd's pie can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Ground Beef, Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Dinner Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Mashed Potatoes, British Food, Classic Recipe
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