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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Ground Beef and Veggies Made Easy

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A comforting and easy-to-make shepherd’s pie featuring seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners and chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. While potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Mix in the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the ground beef and veggie mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread gently. Optionally, rough up the surface with a fork for a rustic look.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown the ground beef well to boost flavor and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Use warm milk and softened butter for smooth mashed potatoes. Avoid pressing mashed potatoes too hard when spreading to keep fluffiness. Leftovers reheat best in the oven covered with foil to maintain a crispy top. You can prepare filling and potatoes ahead and assemble before baking. For a crispy topping, rough up the mashed potatoes with a fork and broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, mashed potatoes, family meal, cozy recipe, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-veggies-made-easy/