Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• Ground Beef – 450 g (1 lb)
  Forms the base of the savory filling.
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Carrot – 1 medium, diced
  Provides a subtle sweetness and texture.
• Frozen Peas – 1 cup
  Adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Tomato – 1 medium, diced
  Enhances the sauce with natural sweetness.
• Beef Broth – 200 ml (3/4 cup)
  Creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
  Infuses the filling with aromatic flavor.
• Flour – 2 tbsp
  Thickens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Dry Parsley – to taste
  Seasoning the dish to perfection.

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• Potatoes – 4-5 medium, peeled and diced
  Forms the creamy topping.
• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp
  Adds flavor and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Salt – to taste
  Balances the flavor of the potatoes.
• Parsley – for garnish

Steps to Make:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and mash them with olive oil and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the diced carrot, peas, and tomato. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
6. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. Add thyme, dry parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Transfer the meat filling to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out gently with a spatula. For a decorative finish, use the back of a fork to create ridges on the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

2. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Absolutely. Assemble the pie, allow it to cool, and freeze it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

3. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work perfectly. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a minute before adding them to the filling.

Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Season Generously: Proper seasoning at every step ensures the flavors are well-balanced.
2. Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest mashed potato topping.
3. Prevent a Soggy Base: Cook the filling until the sauce thickens to prevent excess moisture in the pie.
4. Broil for Extra Crispiness: After baking, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden and crispy top.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
2. Freezing: Assemble the pie, cool completely, and freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef and Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food, combining a hearty filling and creamy mashed potato topping. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Try it today and enjoy a timeless classic!