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A hearty serving of Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie topped with golden mashed potatoes.

Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

This comforting and hearty Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, is a perfect fall and winter casserole that warms the heart.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the beef filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mashed potato topping

  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp butter plus extra for dotting
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the mashed potatoes

  • Peel and cube potatoes, then boil until tender (12–15 minutes). Drain well.
  • Mash with 2 tbsp butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Make the beef filling

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the mixed vegetables. Pour in broth and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assemble and bake

  • Spread the beef mixture into your baking dish in an even layer.
  • Spoon mashed potatoes over the beef and smooth with a spatula, or use a fork to create peaks for extra browning.
  • Dot with extra butter and sprinkle cheddar on top if using.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crisper top, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully. You can refrigerate the assembled pie and bake later; bake time will be slightly longer if cold from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g
Keyword Casserole, comfort food, fall recipes, ground beef, Shepherd's Pie
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