Classic Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting potato dinner recipe perfect for any night. This delicious dish features a savory beef filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a truly satisfying meal that’s easier to make than you think. You’ll love bringing this classic to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: You can use ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie, or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for mashing.
- Mixed Vegetables: Use frozen or fresh peas, carrots, and corn.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth works too.
- Milk: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) is fine for the mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large oven-safe skillet (or baking dish), large pot, potato masher
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Boil the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the empty pot. This is the first step for your delicious potato dinner recipe.
2. Mash the Potatoes
Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash them until they are smooth and creamy, without any lumps. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Build the Flavorful Filling
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture and stir it in, cooking for 1 minute. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, beef broth, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Pour the beef filling into an even layer in your oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef filling, making sure to cover it completely. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake your potato dinner recipe in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the potato topping is golden brown. If you want extra browning, you can broil it for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Variation Ideas:
- Cheesy Topping: Add a different type of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, to the mashed potato topping.
- Herby Mash: Mix fresh chopped chives or parsley into your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a subtle heat.
- Root Vegetable Mash: Incorporate cooked and mashed sweet potatoes or parsnips into your potato topping for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Classic Beef Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through, or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What kind of potatoes are best for mashing?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they are starchy and create a fluffy, creamy mash.
My mashed potatoes are too thin, what can I do?
If your mashed potatoes are too thin, you can cook them on low heat in a pot, stirring constantly, to help some of the moisture evaporate.
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked Shepherd’s Pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
How do I prevent the potato topping from drying out?
Ensure your mashed potatoes are creamy and moist. You can also cover the dish loosely with foil for the first part of baking to prevent excessive browning and drying.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef filling. Cook them until tender before adding the flour. This is a versatile potato dinner recipe.