Shepherd's Pie

5 from 6 votes

A classic casserole also known as Cottage Pie. Flavorful meat mixture with vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 658kcal

Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

Meat Filling

2 Tbsp Olive oil
½ c. Onion diced
1 ½ lbs Ground beef or ground lamb
1 tsp dried Rosemary
1 tsp dried Thyme
½ c. Frozen peas
½ c. Frozen carrots
½ c. Frozen corn
3 cloves Garlic minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp Pepper
1 ½ c. Beef broth
2 Tbsp Tomato paste
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp Flour

Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs Russet potatoes peeled, chopped
1 tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Salt
⅓ tsp pepper
6 Tbsp Butter
¼ c. Sour cream
¼ c. Half and half

Instructions

Meat Layer

Heat oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the onions and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add in ground beef or lamb, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper to skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until meat is browned. Drain off grease.
Add in Worcestershire sauce and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Then add flour and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
Then add in the broth and vegetables, bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and set mixture aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mashed Potatoes

While oven is preheating peel and chop potatoes and place them in a large pot.
Cover with water and bring to a boil, cook the potatoes until they are fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.
When potatoes are done cooking drain water and let potatoes sit in the hot pot for about 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
Add butter, half and half, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to potatoes in pot.
Mash the potatoes with potato masher or hand mixer until smooth.

Assembly Casserole

Spray a 9x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Add meat mixture to prepared casserole dish. Spread out in an even layer.
Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and carefully spread into an even layer.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Broil - If you want the mashed potatoes to have a nice golden crust, broil the top at the end of the cooking time. This is best if you use a ceramic or metal casserole dish – glass ones can shatter under high heat. If you are using glass, check the manufacturer for the maximum temperature.

Add Cheese - You can sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a twist. Cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese would work well. Wait to add it until the last ten minutes of the baking time.

Make Ahead - To make it ahead, assemble it and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. When you bake it, you might need to add a few minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Freeze - You can also freeze cottage pie and shepherd’s pie. Once assembled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well in the freezer for several months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator ahead of time before baking it.

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