This Beef Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect comfort food! With a hearty layer of ground beef and veggies, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s filling and delicious.
I love how it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star ingredient, giving the dish its hearty flavor. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, lentils or mushrooms can be great substitutes.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth and aroma to the pie. If you’re sensitive to these, shallots are milder options. Green onions can also work for a lighter flavor.
Carrots and Peas: They provide sweetness and texture. If you don’t have peas, corn works too. Frozen vegetables can be a time-saver and still taste fresh!
Beef Broth: For a richer taste, homemade broth is best, but store-bought works fine. If you want a healthier or vegetarian version, try vegetable broth instead.
Mashed Potatoes: Use your favorite recipe, but consider mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Dairy-free milk can replace regular milk to make it vegan.
Cheddar Cheese: Adding cheese is optional. Swap it with feta or mozzarella, or skip it altogether for a lighter version!
How Do I Get My Onions and Garlic Just Right?
Sautéing onions and garlic is crucial as it releases their flavors. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Heat your skillet to medium and add the olive oil or butter.
- Once hot, toss in the chopped onions first, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft.
- Next, add the garlic and mix. Cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- This method ensures both ingredients are aromatic and flavorful without bitterness.
And remember, low and slow is the way to go – it’s better not to rush this step!
How to Make Beef Shepherd’s Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for cooking
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Beef Shepherd’s Pie will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes for cooking, plus some cooling time afterward. Altogether, you’ll need about 1 hour to get this delicious dish on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Skillet:
First, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important as a hot oven makes the topping crisp nicely! While that’s heating up, grab a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Add in the olive oil or butter.
2. Sautéing Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want both these ingredients to be aromatic!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now it’s time to add in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly!
4. Adding Vegetables:
Once the beef is browned, add the diced carrots and the optional peas to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Building Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all those delicious flavors. Then, pour in the beef broth and stir again. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens a little.
6. Assembling the Pie:
Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it’s well-distributed. Next, spoon those fluffy mashed potatoes on top, making sure to cover all of the beef mixture. Smooth it out with a spatula. If you’d like, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top for an extra cheesy flavor!
7. Baking:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!
8. Serving:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set a little, making it easier to serve. If you like, garnish with some fresh parsley or chives before digging in!
Enjoy your heartwarming Beef Shepherd’s Pie with family and friends! It’s a comforting dish perfect for any time of year.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. They will alter the flavor slightly, but they will still work beautifully in the pie.
What Can I Substitute for Mashed Potatoes?
If you need a lower-carb version, mashed cauliflower is a fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes. Just steam the cauliflower until tender, mash it with butter, and season to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure your mashed potatoes are dairy-free if needed.
