Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 2 lb Potatoes (peeled, diced)
• 1 tbsp Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 stalks Celery (diced)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
• 1 tsp Paprika (smoked optional)
• 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (canned)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix (instant)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can substitute beef broth)
• 1 cup Frozen Peas and Carrots (thawed)
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
• 0.5 cup Warm Milk (whole milk, warmed)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes

   Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tbsp salt, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork‑tender, about 15 minutes.

   Time: PT15M

2. Sauté Aromatics

   While the potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.

   Time: PT3M

3. Brown Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned with no pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.

   Time: PT7M

4. Season Beef

   Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

5. Add Liquids and Veg

   Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, the packet of brown gravy mix, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 cup thawed peas & carrots. Stir, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

6. Mash Potatoes

   Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 1 stick butter, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 0.5 cup warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy.

   Time: PT5M

7. Assemble Shepherd's Pie

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish, then dollop the mashed potatoes on top and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the surface.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

8. Bake Shepherd's Pie

   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.

   Time: PT38M

   Temperature: 375°F

9. Rest and Serve

   Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

25g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

20g

Fiber

4g