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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Easy Crispy Golden Potato Topping

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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with a silky yet crispy golden mashed potato layer. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
  • 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup (50g) grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop Yukon Gold potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. While potatoes boil, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add ground beef to skillet, break up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat meat evenly.
  5. Add frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly. Cook longer if too runny.
  6. Drain cooked potatoes thoroughly and return to pot. Add softened butter and milk or cream. Mash until smooth but fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in grated cheddar cheese if using.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer meat and vegetable filling into an oven-safe dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Spoon mashed potatoes over filling, spreading with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges or peaks for a crispy top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until potato topping is golden brown and crisp. Optionally broil for last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy texture. Season both filling and potato topping separately. If filling is watery, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Let pie rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving. For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, comfort food, ground beef, mashed potatoes, crispy potato topping, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cozy recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-easy-crispy-golden-potato-topping/