Shepherd's Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Need to Try

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio for flavor and juiciness)
• 2 tsp Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For browning if beef is very lean)
• 1 large Onion (Diced)
• 2 stalks Celery (Diced)
• 2 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Peas, corn, and carrots blend)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (Optional – can use fresh)
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary (Crushed between fingers)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (Concentrated flavor)
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (For thickening the filling)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium preferred)
• 3 cup Mashed Potatoes (Prepared with butter and milk; keep warm)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded, preferably sharp)

Instructions

1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes

   Peel, cube, and boil potatoes until fork‑tender, then drain and mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

   Time: PT15M

2. Preheat Oven

   Set oven to 375°F (190°C) while you finish the filling.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

3. Brown the Beef

   Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat, add olive oil if needed, then add ground beef. Sprinkle with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until no pink remains.

   Time: PT8M

4. Sauté Onions

   Add diced onion to the browned beef and cook, stirring, until translucent.

   Time: PT3M

5. Add Celery

   Stir in diced celery and cook for another 2 minutes until it begins to soften.

   Time: PT2M

6. Incorporate Frozen Vegetables

   Add the frozen peas, corn, and carrots. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are heated through and start to soften.

   Time: PT4M

7. Add Garlic and Herbs

   Press or mince garlic cloves, add to the skillet with dried thyme and rosemary. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

8. Stir in Tomato Paste

   Add tomato paste, mixing it thoroughly to coat the meat‑veg mixture. Cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.

   Time: PT1M

9. Thicken with Flour

   Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

   Time: PT2M

10. Add Beef Broth and Simmer

    Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the filling thicken for 30 minutes, stirring every 10‑15 minutes. Add a splash more broth if it becomes too thick.

    Time: PT30M

11. Assemble the Pie

    Evenly spread the cooked filling in the skillet (or transfer to an oven‑safe dish). Spoon the warm mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer.

    Time: PT5M

12. Bake

    Place the skillet/dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

13. Rest and Serve

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

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

4 g