Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Introduction:
This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless comfort food made with a hearty layer of seasoned ground meat and colorful vegetables, topped with fluffy, golden-brown mashed potatoes. It’s a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly dish perfect for dinner on any day of the week. Rich, savory, and baked to perfection, it’s a classic that never fails to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional for topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
   • Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, thyme, and salt.
   • Add the chopped carrots, peas, and corn. Pour in the broth and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
   • Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
   • Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish.
   • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread it evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the top for a crispy finish.
   • Sprinkle grated cheese on top for an optional cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and slightly crispy on top.
6. Serve: Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Tips:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a splash of red wine to the filling for deeper flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to every bite!