Beef Shepherds Pie Peas Carrots (Printable)
A comforting main featuring savory ground beef, tender peas and carrots, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1.5 pounds ground beef
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1 cup beef broth
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 2 cups frozen peas and carrots mix
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Mashed Potato Topping
14 - 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
15 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 1/2 cup milk, warmed
17 - Salt, to taste
18 - Black pepper, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F.
02 - Peel and cube the russet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly. In the same pot, mash the cooked potatoes with unsalted butter, warmed milk, salt, and pepper until a smooth consistency is achieved. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is thoroughly browned. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
05 - Stir in the tomato paste and all-purpose flour, cooking for 1 minute to toast the flour. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, ensuring no lumps.
06 - Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Fold in the frozen peas and carrots. Season the beef filling generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat.
07 - Transfer the prepared beef mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the beef, spreading it smoothly with a spatula. For an appealing finish, create decorative ridges on the potato surface with a fork, if desired.
08 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
09 - Allow the shepherd's pie to rest for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying and hearty enough to chase away any chill.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and a fantastic way to get a balanced meal packed with flavor and warmth.
02 -
- Always drain the excess fat from your ground beef; it keeps the filling from being greasy and allows the other flavors to shine.
- Seasoning the mashed potatoes separately and generously is key, as bland topping can really diminish the dish's overall appeal.
03 -
- To achieve those irresistible crispy peaks on your potato topping, don't just smooth it flat; use a fork to create little ridges and swirls.
- Ensure your beef filling has thickened nicely before adding the potatoes; a runny filling can make the pie less enjoyable and prone to collapse.