Description
Discover the ultimate Shepherd’s Pie recipe with a savory meat filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy golden crust. Learn how to make this classic comfort food dish today!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 ml)
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds potatoes (680-907 g), peeled and quartered
- 8 Tablespoons (120 ml) (1 stick) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 240 ml)
- 1-2 cups (360 ml) vegetables—diced carrots, corn, peas
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (680 g)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) soy sauce
- Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
Instructions
- Place the quartered and peeled potatoes in a medium pot, ensuring they are covered with cold water by at least an inch. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt. Heat until the water boils, then lower the heat to a simmer, cooking until the potatoes are soft, approximately 20 minutes.
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F to preheat.
- While the potatoes are simmering, warm 4 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft, which should take about 6 to 10 minutes. If you are using carrots, add them simultaneously with the onions as they require a similar cooking duration. Add peas or corn towards the end of the onion cooking time or after the beef begins to cook, as they need less time to cook.
- Introduce the ground beef into the pan with the onions and vegetables. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then remove any excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as desired. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook without a lid for 10 minutes, adding more broth if the mixture seems dry. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Once the potatoes are ready, drain them and transfer to a bowl with the remaining 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mash them using a fork or potato masher. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- In a large baking dish, evenly spread the meat and vegetable mixture. Cover this layer with the mashed potatoes, using a fork to create a textured surface that will brown nicely. You can also use the fork to create decorative patterns on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned and the contents are bubbling, roughly 30 minutes. If desired, broil for the last few minutes to enhance browning on the mashed potatoes. Use caution when broiling with glass dishes, as they may shatter; opt for ceramic or metal dishes instead.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the dish’s fat content.
- Customize the veggies to your liking – mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans make tasty additions.
- Experiment with various seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavors.
