Step into the world of comfort with our Easy Shepherd’s Pie, a timeless classic that effortlessly blends savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting dish, enriched with flavorful gravy and aromatic thyme, is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress, this Shepherd’s Pie is your ticket to a warm, satisfying experience.
In our kitchen, the Easy Shepherd’s Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a tale of weeknight victories and family gatherings. The aroma of sizzling beef, the sound of vegetables sautéing, and the sight of perfectly browned mashed potatoes create an atmosphere of anticipation and delight. This dish has become a symbol of culinary ease, transforming ordinary evenings into memorable occasions shared around the dinner table.
Why This Easy Shepherd’s Pie:
- Effortless Elegance: Achieve gourmet flavor with minimal effort, thanks to a well-balanced combination of ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Flavorful Filling: The addition of tomato paste, thyme, and a rich brown gravy enhances the filling, creating a robust and satisfying taste.
- Versatile Comfort: Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this Shepherd’s Pie offers the versatility of a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Broiled Perfection: A quick broil at the end ensures a beautifully browned and crispy potato crust, adding an extra layer of texture to each serving.
Ingredients:
- 15ml (1 Tablespoon) olive oil
- ¾ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 450g ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 15ml (1 Tablespoon) tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 120ml chicken broth
- 1 cup brown gravy
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Prepare a half batch of your favorite mashed potato recipe to yield 3 cups. While the potatoes boil, move on to preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and celery. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Increase heat to high. Add ground beef, cooking and crumbling until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle in flour and toss to coat. Add tomato paste and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits for added flavor.
- Add HALF of the brown gravy. Stir in the vegetables until heated through. Season with salt/pepper and add more gravy if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the filling to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or 7 x 11 casserole dish. Carefully spread warm mashed potatoes on top.
- Use a fork to create decorative lines on the mashed potatoes.
- Broil:
- Set the oven rack about 5 inches away from the broiler. Set to a high broil at 550 degrees.
- Broil for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. The result should be a perfectly browned and crispy top.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve, savoring the delightful blend of flavors in each comforting bite.
Notes: For a twist, consider adding a layer of grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before broiling. This Shepherd’s Pie reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers for a fuss-free meal the next day. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of Easy Shepherd’s Pie!
