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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm embrace of a well-made Shepherd's Pie. This hearty meal, with its rich filling and creamy mashed potato topping, has become a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. Shepherd's Pie serves not only as a satisfying dish but also as a reminder of home-cooked meals shared with family. It's the kind of food that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Easy Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potatoes

Cozy up with a classic Shepherd's Pie, the ultimate comfort food! This hearty dish features a flavorful filling of minced meat, vegetables, and spices, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for chilly evenings, Shepherd's Pie is a global favorite that enjoys a rich history as a way to use leftovers. Easy to make and adaptable to personal tastes, it’s an ideal meal to share with loved ones. Discover the joy of this warm, nostalgic recipe today!

Ingredients
  

For the filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the mashed potatoes:

2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup milk (or more to your liking)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the mashed potatoes:

    - In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

      - Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.

        - Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

          Make the filling:

            - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

              - Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.

                - Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.

                  - Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

                    - Mix in the frozen peas and remove from heat.

                      Assemble the pie:

                        - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

                          - Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.

                            - Top with the creamy mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. For an added touch, create some peaks with a fork across the top.

                              - If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

                                Bake:

                                  - Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

                                    Cool and serve:

                                      - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Shepherd's Pie!

                                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4-6 servings