Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings

📝 Ingredients List

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure non-alcoholic version)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Potato masher
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil for 15 minutes or until fork-tender. While the potatoes cook, move to the next step to save time! 🥔
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In your large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Filling: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and dried thyme. Add the frozen peas and carrots. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is slightly thick and glossy.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, mashing until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, creating little peaks with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown. ✨

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day!
• Perfect Mash: For extra fluffy potatoes, use a ricer instead of a masher to remove any lumps.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth. You can also swap the ground beef for ground chicken for a lighter version.

FAQ

Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Assemble the pie, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Why is my filling runny? Ensure you simmer the beef mixture long enough for the broth to reduce and the tomato paste to thicken the sauce.