Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping

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Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory beef filling with a rich, cheesy potato topping. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together tender ground beef, fragrant herbs, and a medley of vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Filling:

  • 2½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ cups yellow onion, diced
  • 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary leaves
  • 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups of frozen peas and carrots blend
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels

For the Cheesy Potato Topping:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, or 8 smaller ones, cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup half & half
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes into ¾-inch squares. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Make the Cheesy Potato Topping: Add the unsalted butter, half & half, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and paprika to the drained potatoes. Blend the potatoes until they reach a silky, creamy texture. Fold in the grated cheddar cheese until it is thoroughly mixed in. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef Filling: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes tender, roughly 5 minutes. Add the ground beef to the pan, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
  4. Season the Beef: Add the salt, thyme leaves, rosemary leaves, parsley flakes, and ground black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Sauté for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour flavor. Add the ketchup and beef broth, stirring until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy. Stir in the frozen peas, carrots, and corn kernels, cooking until heated through.
  6. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Move the beef mixture to a large baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Spoon the cheesy potato topping over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes, if desired.
  7. Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the top isn’t browning as desired, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion:

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty beef and vegetables with a rich and creamy potato layer. The blend of herbs and spices in the filling, paired with the cheesy, buttery potatoes, makes this dish irresistible. Serve it with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

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