Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe
This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie Recipe layers savory ground beef and veggies under creamy mashed potatoes for an easy, comforting dinner that freezes well.
Servings: 8
Calories: 480kcal
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 pounds potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Ground Beef Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup frozen vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes. Clean and peel the 2 pounds potatoes. Cut into small pieces about 1 inch in size. Place the potatoes into a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, but don't overcook them.
- Drain off the water and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes in the same pot. Add the 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup milk, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Continue mashing until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 cup chopped onion, 2 medium chopped carrots, 2 stalks chopped celery, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Meat Filling. Add the 1 ½ pounds ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Deglaze the pan with the ½ cup red wine and sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- Add the 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 cup frozen vegetables. Stir to combine. Cook until the meat mixture begins to thicken.
- Assemble the Pie. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the hamburger meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan or transfer it to a separate baking dish.
- Scoop the mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly, making sure the mashed potatoes meet the edges of the dish to prevent the filling from bubbling over. Place into the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Brown the ground beef well to develop a deeper flavor and a little caramelization on the bottom of the pan.
- Stir a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch into the meat mixture to help thicken the filling and give it structure.
- Season the ground beef mixture generously, then taste and adjust the salt and pepper before adding the mashed potato topping.
- For the best mashed potato topping that holds its shape, use a starchy potato like Russet or Yukon Gold.
- You can bake shepherd’s pie in a 9x13-inch casserole dish, cast iron skillet, or large braiser.
- Use a fork to create ridges in the potato topping before baking, or pipe the potatoes on with a piping bag for a smoother, decorative look.
- For extra stability in the mashed potatoes, mix in one egg yolk along with the butter and milk before spreading them over the filling.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 928mg | Potassium: 956mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4061IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3mg
