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Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie

Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie for Cozy Family Nights

Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting dinner packed with healthy veggies and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Irish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potato Topping
  • 2 pounds Russet Potatoes Consider Yukon Gold for added buttery flavor
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Feel free to use salted butter
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great healthy swap
  • 1/2 cup Milk Non-dairy options work well too
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground lamb or turkey if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be a lighter alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Salt Adjust based on taste preferences
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 medium Carrots Diced
  • 2 stalks Celery Diced
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine Cooking wine or broth can replace it
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce is a good gluten-free alternative
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1 cup Frozen Green Peas No need to thaw before adding
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Chives Chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie
  1. Begin by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into even chunks. In a large pot, cover the potatoes with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then let simmer for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash with unsalted butter, sour cream, milk, and a dash of salt until creamy and smooth.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, cooking until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces. Stir in diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the veggies soften and release their aromatic fragrance.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Carefully pour in ½ cup of dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and mix in all those flavorful bits. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, fold in 1 cup of frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a greased baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly on the bottom, creating a delicious layer of heartiness. Next, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the filling, using a fork to create ridges that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake the assembled Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown and appears slightly crisp.
  5. Once baked, remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the layers set for easier serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives if desired, then serve it warm to your family and watch their faces light up with delight!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Easy Classic Shepherd's Pie is bound to bring warmth and happiness to your family dinners! Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients while you create your very own cozy masterpiece.

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