Description
Discover the ultimate guide to making a delicious Shepherd’s Pie from scratch. Learn how to create this classic comfort food with our step-by-step recipe instructions. Master this hearty dish today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes into a medium pot. Submerge them with at least an inch of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Heat until boiling, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cooking until they are tender, around 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft, approximately 6 to 10 minutes. If you are adding vegetables, incorporate them based on their cooking duration. Carrots should go in with the onions as they require a similar cooking time. For peas or corn, introduce them near the end of the onion cooking time or once the meat begins cooking, as they cook quickly.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pan with the onions and any vegetables. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. If needed, drain excess fat, leaving only about a tablespoon. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Allow it to simmer, then lower the heat. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth if the meat starts to dry out. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or any other preferred spices.
- Once the potatoes are tender (a fork should easily go through), drain them and transfer to a bowl with the remaining butter. Mash the potatoes, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Evenly spread the cooked meat mixture in a large baking dish, like a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Layer the mashed potatoes over the ground beef. Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes for better browning. You can also use the fork to make decorative patterns.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until the top is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. If needed, use the broiler for the last few minutes to achieve a golden top. Be cautious with glass or Pyrex dishes under high heat from the broiler, as they may shatter. Ceramic or metal dishes are safe for this step. Enjoyed the recipe? Share your thoughts and rate it below!
Notes
- Consider enhancing the mashed potatoes with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Personalize the vegetable selection by adding bell peppers or green beans for a pop of color and texture.
- Boost the heartiness of the dish by mixing in cooked chopped mushrooms with the ground beef for a rich, earthy taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 865 kcal
- Fat: 50 g
- Protein: 54 g
Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, savory meal