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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Ground Beef and Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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A comforting and easy homemade shepherd’s pie featuring savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease your baking dish with a little butter or oil.
  2. Place peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat for about 15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
  3. While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  6. Add frozen peas and carrots, then pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  7. Drain the cooked potatoes well and return to the pot. Add softened butter, warmed milk, sour cream (if using), and salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  8. Spread the beef filling evenly in the greased baking dish. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula or fork. Rough up the surface with a fork to create peaks if desired.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil and use coconut or almond milk instead of dairy. To get a golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. Avoid overmixing mashed potatoes to prevent gluey texture. You can prepare beef filling and mashed potatoes ahead and assemble before baking to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade, cozy meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-creamy-mashed-potatoes-easy-homemade-dinner/