Description
Learn how to make a quick and delicious Shepherd’s Pie with this easy recipe! Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 ml)
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds potatoes (680-907 g), peeled and quartered
- 8 tablespoons (120 ml) (1 stick) butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups (360 ml))
- 1-2 cups (360 ml) vegetables—diced carrots, corn, peas
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (680 g)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
Instructions
- Cover the peeled and quartered potatoes with cold water in a pot, ensuring the water is at least an inch above them. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt. Heat until boiling, then lower to a simmer, and let them cook until they are soft, which should take around 20 minutes.
- Set your oven temperature to 400°F to preheat.
- While the potatoes are simmering, melt half of the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft, which will take between 6 to 10 minutes. If you’re adding vegetables, consider their cooking times; carrots should be added with the onions. For peas or corn, include them just before the onions are done or once the meat is cooking, as they require less time.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pan with the onions and vegetables. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. If there is excess fat in the pan, drain it, leaving just a tablespoon. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer before reducing the heat. Keep it uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more broth if it starts to dry out. Taste and adjust the flavor with more seasonings as needed.
- Once the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, drain them and transfer them to a bowl with the remaining butter. Mash them and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
- In a large baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly at the bottom. Layer the mashed potatoes over the beef, using a fork to create peaks on the surface, which will crisp up nicely in the oven. Feel free to make designs with the fork if you wish.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and the contents are bubbling, roughly 30 minutes. If needed, use the broiler for a few minutes at the end to enhance the browning of the potatoes. Be cautious with glass dishes under the broiler, as they might crack; ceramic or metal dishes are safer options. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Consider enhancing the mashed potatoes with garlic or herbs before layering them on the beef and vegetables.
- Incorporate cooked lentils or beans into the ground beef for added protein and fiber.
- Explore different vegetable combinations such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to customize this recipe.
