Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any family dinner? Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef is a classic recipe that combines savory beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables to create a satisfying meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also flexible enough to cater to your dietary preferences. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef and explore some exciting variations!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Potato masher
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break up the meat into smaller chunks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add in the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
If you aren’t using leftover mashed potatoes, boil peeled potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender. Drain them well and return them to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth. Season with salt as desired. Ensure the potatoes are soft and fluffy for the best texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them gently to cover the beef layer completely. Use a fork to create small peaks on the mashed potatoes to encourage browning during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes start to turn golden brown. The filling should be bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s ready. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal when served with a fresh green salad or crusty bread on the side. Pair it with a glass of red wine, like merlot or cabernet, to enhance the rich flavors of the dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For a creamier filling, add a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture before simmering.
- Substitute sweet potatoes in place of regular mashed potatoes for a slightly different taste.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Packed with Power: High-Protein Shepherd’s Pie Version
Looking to pump up the protein content? Replace half of the ground beef with ground turkey or lentils. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking to add extra protein and a cheesy topping.
Low Carb Delight: Shepherd’s Pie Minus the Carbs
To turn this into a low-carb treat, swap the traditional mashed potatoes with a creamy cauliflower mash. This not only cuts down on carbs but also adds a delightful taste and texture that’s just as comforting.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shepherd’s Pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I use lamb instead of ground beef? Absolutely, substituting lamb for beef is a classic twist that will yield a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
- How can I make this dish ahead of time? Prepare the pie up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- What are some good side dishes for this pie? Try serving it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the butter in the mashed potatoes with olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative.
Join the Shepherd’s Pie Club and Share Your Experience!
We hope you enjoy this classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef as much as we do. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Share your thoughts, tweaks, and versions with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with your family and friends!
The Ultimate Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- carrots
- frozen peas
- garlic
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- mashed potatoes
- butter
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato paste, broth, and Worcestershire sauce; simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- If not using leftover mashed potatoes, boil peeled potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain and mash with butter. Season with salt to taste.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread beef mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, creating peaks with a fork.
- Bake for 25 minutes until potatoes are golden and filling is bubbling. Cool slightly before serving.