Description
This classic Shepherd's Pie recipe features a hearty ground beef and mixed vegetable filling topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. Rich in flavors from red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and a crispy, golden crust.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 Pounds Yellow Potatoes (Peeled)
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Stick Butter (Melted)
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Beef and Vegetable Mixture
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2.25 Pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
- 1 Medium Onion (Diced)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 Cup Red Wine
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoons Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Thyme
- 4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Beef Stock
- 1 1/2 Cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- Additional 1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Add peeled yellow potatoes to a large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and a knife can be inserted without resistance.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and pass them through a potato ricer or mash thoroughly with a potato masher. Stir in kosher salt, melted butter, heavy cream, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Cover and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 425℉ (220℃). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until beef is browned and most moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate into the flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Thicken: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh chopped thyme, and all-purpose flour. Cook while stirring to combine completely.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in beef stock and stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce reduces by half, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in frozen mixed vegetables until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Shepherd's Pie: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread into an even layer. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to roughen the surface texture of the potatoes to help form a crispy crust while baking. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake and Broil: Place the baking dish on a sheet tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, move the dish under the high broiler for 1-2 minutes until the top turns golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to cool on a cooking rack for at least 25 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are fluffy to create a light, crispy topping.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture balance.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Do not skip the resting time after baking to allow the pie to set for easier serving.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef stock if available.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
