Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe
This savory and delicious Shepherd's Pie is one of my go-to dinners on a busy night. The creamy potatoes and nicely seasoned beef are hearty, filling, and a perfect meal for children and adults.
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 5 large Potatoes, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk or heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup parmesan, divided into (2) ½ cups
- 2 egg yolk
- ½ tsp nutmeg, ground
- kosher salt, to taste
- white pepper, to taste
Meat Mixture
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 2 sprigs thyme, or 2 tsp of dried
- 2 sprigs rosemary, or 2 tsp of dried
- 1 1/2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp all-purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup red wine
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 cups vegetable medley
- kosher salt, to taste
- black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
Mashed Potatoes
- Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes into even chunks.
- Add potatoes, enough cold water to cover, and some kosher salt to a medium pot. Bring to a boil until the potatoes are fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and egg yolks. Set aside
- Drain the potatoes and mash. Add milk mixture, butter, sour cream, ½ cup parmesan, white pepper, and nutmeg to the pot. Combine everything until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. (Try not to mix too much, or the potatoes will become gummy.)
- Taste for additional seasoning.
- Set aside to reach room temperature.
Meat Mixture
- In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Add beef and cook until no pinks are left.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Combine and taste for additional seasoning.
- Sprinkle flour over and add tomato paste. Mix until well combined. Pour in the wine, mix and deglaze the pan for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the broth and vegetables. Cook the mixture to thicken for about 4-5 minutes. Taste for additional seasoning.
- Set aside.
Assembly
- In a deep casserole dish, evenly cover the bottom with the meat mixture. Add the mashed potatoes on top and carefully cover the meat.
- Using a fork, lightly scrape the top in one direction and again in the opposite direction. Sprinkle the top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 20-30 minutes. Take it out when the cheese has browned, and the meat mixture is bubbling.
- Let it rest and set for about 5-10 minutes. Scoop and Enjoy!
Notes
- Blending the egg yolks with the warm milk helps bring the egg up in temperature and keeps the egg from scrambling in the mashed potatoes heat.
- Use room temperature mashed potatoes. If it is too hot, it can sink into the meat mixture.
- Try to use only fresh herbs. They provide a much more flavorful mixture and delicate taste.