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Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a classic baked dish featuring a layer of seasoned ground meat, typically lamb or beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The dish combines savory meat filling with a smooth, golden-brown potato crust, resulting in a hearty, comforting casserole with a slightly crispy top and moist interior.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb preferably lean
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional, for color and sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste for richness
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth to simmer
  • 4 large potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
  • 0.5 cup milk warm
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Masher or ricer
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Transfer cooked meat to a plate.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Return the cooked meat to the skillet.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  3. Add tomato paste and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until tomato paste darkens slightly.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  4. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, letting the mixture thicken and flavors meld.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  5. Meanwhile, place peeled and cubed potatoes into a saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pan. Add butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat filling in a baking dish evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly and creating a slightly ruffled surface for a crispy edge.
    1 lb ground beef or lamb
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.