Ultimate Comfort Shepherd's Pie
This Ultimate Comfort Shepherd's Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dish, originally inspired by a Southern Living recipe. Combining savory ground beef with hearty vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish has become a family favorite, especially for the kids and my sister-in-law. While traditional shepherd's pie is made with lamb, this comforting rendition uses beef, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Each bite is a warm hug, laden with flavor and nostalgia, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to bring joy to the table.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen mashed potatoes
22 ounces (Prepare your own or use store-bought.)
Ground beef
1 pound (Browned in a skillet.)
Onion
1 (Chopped.)
Carrot
1/2 cup (Chopped.)
Frozen peas
1/2 cup (No preparation needed; toss directly into the mixture.)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed.)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed; used to thicken.)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Used for seasoning throughout the recipe.)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Used for seasoning throughout the recipe.)
Beef broth
1 cup (For added flavor; use condensed for a richer taste.)
Large egg
1 (Beaten and mixed with the mashed potatoes.)
Grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Sprinkled on top before the final bake.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you're making homemade mashed potatoes, prepare them according to your favorite recipe and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
3
Add the chopped carrots and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and the tomato paste until well combined.
4
Pour in the beef broth and cook the mixture, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Take care not to let it stick to the bottom of the skillet.
5
Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a lightly greased 7x11 inch baking dish.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, the large egg, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix until smooth.
7
Carefully spoon the mashed potato mixture over the beef layer, spreading it out with a spatula for an even top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
37g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this shepherd's pie?
The recipe uses one pound of ground beef.
What is the total baking time?
The dish bakes for a total of 30 minutes: 25 minutes initially, and an additional 5 minutes after adding the cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175¼).
What size baking dish is recommended?
A lightly greased 7x11 inch baking dish is recommended.
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use 22 ounces of either homemade mashed potatoes or store-bought frozen ones.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, one-half cup of chopped carrots, and one-half cup of frozen peas.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 367 calories.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one large egg is mixed into the mashed potatoes to make them smooth.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for one-half cup of grated cheddar cheese.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe requires one cup of beef broth; using condensed broth can provide a richer taste.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the beef and vegetable mixture.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 37 grams of carbohydrates.
How long should I brown the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef and onion for about 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is crumbled and no longer pink.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, you should drain the excess grease after browning the beef and onion before adding other ingredients.
Does the recipe include tomato paste?
Yes, one tablespoon of tomato paste is added to the meat mixture for flavor.
What is the total amount of salt used?
A total of 2 teaspoons of salt are used, divided between the beef mixture and the potato topping.
What is the total amount of pepper used?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of pepper is used, divided between the beef and potato layers.
How long should the beef mixture simmer after adding broth?
Cook and stir constantly for about 3 minutes or until the mixture is slightly thickened.
When should I add the cheese?
Add the grated cheddar cheese after the pie has baked for the first 25 minutes.
Is this a traditional shepherd's pie?
While traditional shepherd's pie uses lamb, this comfort version uses ground beef, which technically makes it a cottage pie.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by a Southern Living recipe.
Do I need to thaw the frozen peas first?
No, you can toss the frozen peas directly into the skillet mixture without preparation.
How do I prepare the mashed potato topping?
Mix the prepared mashed potatoes with one egg, one teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until smooth.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the 7x11 inch baking dish should be lightly greased before adding the ingredients.
How do I apply the potato layer?
Carefully spoon the potato mixture over the beef layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the description notes it is a family favorite and particularly popular with kids.
Can I use a different type of broth?
While beef broth is specified for flavor, you could use others, though beef or condensed beef broth is recommended for richness.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the shepherd's pie cool slightly after removing it from the oven to enjoy the full flavor and texture.