Creamy Garlic Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping
This Creamy Garlic Shepherd's Pie is a delightful variation of the classic dish that infuses rich flavors and a comforting texture into every bite. The ground beef is sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered with carrots, tender corn, and a medley of herbs, creating a hearty filling that warms the soul. The crowning glory is the creamy, buttery potato topping, infused with roasted garlic and enriched with cheese and a touch of egg for a golden finish. Baked to perfection, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also brings together the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals. It's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side salad, this Shepherd's Pie will quickly become a new favorite.
N/A
Servings
585
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (cooked and drained)
Chopped onion
1 cup (raw)
Garlic cloves
2 cloves (minced)
Flour
1/4 cup
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Savory
1/4 teaspoon
Beef stock
2 cups (preferably low sodium)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
Bay leaf
1 leaf (whole)
Finely diced carrot
1/2 cup
Corn kernels
1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
Medium potatoes
5–6 (peeled and cubed)
Garlic cloves
6 cloves (peeled and lightly crushed)
2% milk or buttermilk
3/4 cup
Egg
1 (slightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain any excess fat.
3
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
4
Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and savory, mixing well to coat the meat and vegetables.
5
Slowly add the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the bay leaf and finely diced carrots. Stir to combine.
6
Cover the skillet loosely and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and the carrots are tender.
7
Remove the bay leaf from the filling and stir in the corn. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture evenly in an 11x7-inch baking dish and allow it to cool slightly.
8
Meanwhile, prepare the potato topping. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the potatoes and crushed garlic cloves until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
9
Drain the potatoes and garlic well, then mash them until smooth. Mix in the milk, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste.
10
Beat in the egg (reserve 1 tablespoon of the beaten egg for brushing) until well combined and creamy. Using a spatula, spread the mashed potato mixture over the meat filling, starting from the edges for an even cover.
11
Brush the top with the reserved beaten egg for a golden crust. Optional: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
48g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in Creamy Garlic Shepherd's Pie?
The primary protein is 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef, which is cooked and drained before being mixed with the filling ingredients.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
A total of 8 garlic cloves are used: 2 minced for the meat filling and 6 lightly crushed to boil with the potatoes.
What vegetables are included in the Shepherd's Pie filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, minced garlic, finely diced carrots, and corn kernels.
How is the meat filling thickened?
The filling is thickened by stirring 1/4 cup of flour into the cooked meat and vegetable mixture before adding the liquid.
Which liquids are used for the savory sauce?
The sauce is made with 2 cups of beef stock and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What herbs and seasonings are used in the beef mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with dried thyme, savory, salt, pepper, and a whole bay leaf.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer loosely covered for 20 minutes until thickened and the carrots are tender.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
Remove the bay leaf after the simmering process is complete and before adding the corn.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 11x7-inch baking dish is used to assemble the Shepherd's Pie.
How do you prepare the potato topping?
Boil 5–6 medium cubed potatoes and 6 crushed garlic cloves until tender, then mash them smooth.
What ingredients make the potato topping creamy?
The mashed potatoes are enriched with 3/4 cup of 2% milk or buttermilk and a beaten egg.
How do you achieve a golden crust on the potato topping?
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the beaten egg to brush over the top of the potatoes before baking.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of either fresh or frozen corn kernels.
How long does the final dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for 20–25 minutes until the filling bubbles and the top is golden brown.
Are there any optional garnishes for the top?
Optional garnishes include a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
How many calories are in a serving of this Shepherd's Pie?
There are approximately 585 calories per serving.
How much protein is contained in one serving?
Each serving provides 29g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 23g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 48g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is buttermilk better than regular milk for the topping?
The recipe allows for either 2% milk or buttermilk depending on your preference for tanginess and creaminess.
What is the best way to spread the potatoes over the meat?
Use a spatula to spread the mashed potato mixture starting from the edges to ensure even coverage.
Does the recipe require peeling the potatoes?
Yes, the 5–6 medium potatoes should be peeled and cubed before boiling.
Can I use low-sodium beef stock?
Yes, the recipe suggests that low-sodium beef stock is preferred.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients listed for this dish.
Should the beef be drained after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef.
What texture should the carrots have before baking?
The carrots should be tender after the 20-minute simmering period.
Is it necessary to let the meat mixture cool before topping?
The instructions suggest allowing the mixture to cool slightly in the baking dish before spreading the potatoes.
What provides the 'cheesy' flavor mentioned in the title?
While cheese is mentioned as optional (parmesan), the combination of milk, egg, and roasted garlic creates a rich, 'cheesy' texture and flavor profile.
How long do the potatoes take to boil?
The potatoes and garlic cloves typically take 15–20 minutes to become tender in boiling water.