Grandma's Shepherd's Pie (Fall Comfort Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium Onion (yellow, diced)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste (can substitute minced garlic)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt)
• 1 cup Canned Corn (drained, whole kernel)
• 1 cup Peas and Carrot Blend (frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional, adds depth)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
• 2 pounds Potatoes (Russet, peeled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, softened)
• 0.25 cup Milk (whole milk)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)

Instructions

1. Boil and Mash Potatoes

   Peel and cube the potatoes, place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil and cook until fork‑tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add butter and milk, mash until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

   Time: PT20M

2. Brown Ground Beef

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

   Time: PT10M

3. Season the Beef

   Stir in the garlic paste, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to coat the meat.

   Time: PT2M

4. Sauté Onions

   Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Corn and Peas/Carrot

   Stir in the drained canned corn. Meanwhile microwave the frozen peas‑carrot blend for 3 minutes, then add to the skillet. Mix everything together.

   Time: PT5M

6. Create the Gravy

   Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture, stir, then pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

   Time: PT5M

7. Assemble the Pie

   Transfer the meat‑vegetable mixture into the baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with an offset spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

   Time: PT5M

8. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the assembled shepherd's pie for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 15 minutes.

   Time: PT25M

   Temperature: 350°F

9. Rest and Serve

   Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

25g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

18g

Fiber

5g