Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 450g (1lb) ground beef
• 140g (1 cup) frozen peas
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp dry parsley
• 250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock (or any stock)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsp all-purpose flour
• 4-5 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Begin by peeling and quartering 4-5 medium-sized potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a little butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Once the beef is browned, add the diced carrot and tomato to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
2. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, chili powder, thyme, and dried parsley. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas have thawed and softened slightly.

Step 4: Thicken the Filling

1. Sprinkle 2 tsp of all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir the flour in well to coat the ingredients.
2. Slowly pour in 250ml (1 cup) of vegetable stock, stirring constantly. The flour will help thicken the sauce as the mixture simmers.
3. Let the filling cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef mixture, spreading them out evenly to cover the entire surface. Use a fork to create some texture on the top of the potatoes for a nice crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top of the mashed potatoes is golden brown and crispy.
2. Once done, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Optional: Garnish the Shepherd’s Pie with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.

Cooking Tips:

• Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold for a smoother, creamier mashed potato topping.
• Stock: You can use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetable stock, depending on your preference.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time, assemble the pie, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven.
• Crispy Topping: For a crispier top, brush a little melted butter on the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy finish.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamin A: 40% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 30% of the daily recommended intake

FAQs:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
   • Yes, Shepherd’s Pie can be made with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken if you prefer a different type of protein.
2. Can I freeze the Shepherd’s Pie?
   • Yes, Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen and add extra cooking time.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie.

Conclusion: This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. It combines rich flavors from the ground beef and vegetables with the creamy smoothness of mashed potatoes on top. Plus, it’s easy to adapt based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you add a little cheese on top or experiment with different vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness!