Traditional Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potato Topping

A comforting dish featuring a savory meat base covered with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to perfection.

Recipe Details

Quantity	Name	Preparation Notes	Substitutions
2 tablespoons	olive oil
1 cup, chopped	yellow onion	Chop before cooking
1 lb.	90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
2 teaspoons	dried parsley leaves
1 teaspoon	dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon	dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon	salt
1/2 teaspoon	ground black pepper
1 tablespoon	Worcestershire sauce
2, minced	garlic cloves	Mince before adding
2 tablespoons	all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons	tomato paste
1 cup	beef broth
1 cup	frozen mixed peas and carrots		1/2 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots
1/2 cup	frozen corn kernels

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned. (Tips: Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon.)
Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Mix in flour and tomato paste, stirring until incorporated. (Tips: Ensure no clumps of tomato paste remain.)
Step 5: Pour in beef broth, add frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. (Tips: Simmer until the mixture thickens.)

Quantity	Name	Preparation Notes
1.5 - 2 lbs., peeled and cubed	russet potatoes	Peel and cut into 1-inch cubes
8 tablespoons	unsalted butter
1/3 cup	half & half
1/2 teaspoon	garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon	salt
1/4 teaspoon	ground black pepper
1/4 cup	parmesan cheese

Step 1: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil then simmer until fork-tender (10-15 min). (Tips: Check potatoes for doneness using a fork.)
Step 2: Drain potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let them rest to evaporate excess moisture. (Tips: Leave the pot on low heat for 1 minute to help moisture evaporate.)
Step 3: Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. (Tips: Use a potato masher for best results.)
Step 4: Stir in parmesan cheese until fully combined. (Tips: Ensure the cheese is mixed evenly.)

Quantity	Name	Preparation Notes	Substitutions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Spread meat mixture evenly in a 9x9 inch baking dish. (Tips: Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.)
Step 3: Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. (Tips: Smooth the top with the spoon.)
Step 4: If the dish is full, place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch overflow. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling. (Tips: Check halfway to see if edges are browning.)
Step 5: Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. (Tips: This helps to firm up the layers.)

Notes: If preferred, use ground turkey or another meat substitute. Optional to omit corn or peas.