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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Crispy Mashed Potato Crust Perfect for Family Meals

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A warm and filling shepherd’s pie featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with a golden, crispy mashed potato crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cut potatoes into 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 cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
  2. While potatoes boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Then add peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes to warm through.
  4. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Drain potatoes well, then return to pot or transfer to a bowl. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth but still a bit textured. Stir in Parmesan if using.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly in your baking dish. Dollop mashed potatoes on top and spread gently with a spatula. For extra crispness, rough up the top a bit to create peaks.
  7. Place dish in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mashed potato crust turns golden and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye toward the end to prevent burning.
  8. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and filling to thicken slightly.

Notes

Drain cooked potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery mash. Use softened butter for better texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to get a good sear. For extra crispness, broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lamb, and use dairy-free milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Check Worcestershire sauce for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, ground beef, mashed potato crust, family meal, easy dinner, crispy potato topping

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-crispy-mashed-potato-crust-perfect-for-family-meals/