Classic Shepherd's Pie
Adapted from (Amanda Finks)
Ingredients
Meat filling
- 2 tbsp 30 ml olive oil
- 1 cup 150 g yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef (90% lean) or ground lamb
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp 16 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp 30 ml tomato paste
- 1 cup 240 ml beef broth
- 1 cup 130 g frozen mixed peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup 80 g frozen corn kernels
Potato topping
- 1 1/2-2 lb 700-900 g russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 tbsp 113 g unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup 80 ml half and half
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup 25 g parmesan cheese
Method
- Meat filling
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the beef or lamb and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic, stir to combine, and cook 1 minute.
- Add the flour and tomato paste and stir until no clumps remain.
- Add the broth, frozen peas and carrots, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set the meat mixture aside and preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Potato topping
- Cover the potatoes with water in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
- Add the butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash and stir until combined, then stir in the parmesan.
- Assemble
- Spread the meat mixture in an even layer in a 23x23cm (9x9-inch) or similar baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- If the dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubble-over.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you can't find frozen peas-and-carrots mix, use 1/2 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots instead.