Description
This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe combines a savory ground beef and vegetable filling with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a golden broiled crust. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, featuring tender vegetables, flavorful gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes broiled to perfection for a slightly crisp finish.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 rib celery (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup brown gravy
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 cups homemade mashed potatoes (half batch from recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Make a half batch of your favorite homemade mashed potatoes to yield about 3 cups. While the potatoes cook, proceed with making the filling.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and celery, sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to high. Add 1 lb ground beef to the pan, cooking and crumbling it until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Thicken the Mixture: Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the beef mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the flour taste.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan surface; this enhances flavor.
- Add Gravy and Vegetables: Mix in half of 1 cup brown gravy, stirring to combine. Add 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables and cook until heated through.
- Season: Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Add more brown gravy if desired for extra moisture and flavor. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Transfer the filling into a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or a 7 x 11 casserole dish. Carefully spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Texture the Topping: Use a fork to gently rake lines or texture marks into the mashed potatoes. This helps crisp the top under the broiler.
- Broil: Position the oven rack about 5 inches from the broiler element and preheat to high broil, approximately 550°F (288°C).
- Finish the Pie: Broil the assembled pie for about 5 minutes, watching it closely starting at 2 minutes to prevent burning. The top should become golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit briefly before serving. Enjoy your classic Shepherd’s Pie warm.
Notes
- The mashed potato recipe used here is homemade; alternatively, store-bought mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch.
- Brown gravy can be homemade or store-bought; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Watching the broiler closely is essential as the topping can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based mince and use vegetable broth and gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British