Shepherds Pie with Ground Beef
This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is a classic comfort food made with lean ground beef, a rich savory gravy, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. Enhanced with smoked paprika and fresh herbs, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner. It’s budget-friendly, great for meal prep, and can be frozen for an easy meal later. Serve with your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal!
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 potato masher
- 1 microwave safe container
- 1 large saute pan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 baking dish, 11 x 17
- 1 rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 2 oz unsalted butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper, freshly ground
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Meat Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or fresh
Instructions
- Boil peeled and diced russet potatoes in a large pot with cold water until fork-tender (10-15 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
- Heat half-and-half and butter in a microwave-safe container until warm (about 35 seconds). Mash the potatoes, then mix in the half-and-half mixture, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese and egg yolk until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the ground beef in the onion/carrot mixture, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir. Add tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in corn and peas, then remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread meat filling in an even layer in an 11x7-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, sealing edges and smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.