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10 Easy Casseroles for a Last-Minute Dinner Party

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Shepherd's Pie 4/11

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Shepherd's Pie

A traditional shepherd's pie is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring a hearty base of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, all tucked beneath a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This classic one-dish meal is a favorite for its simplicity and homey flavors. 

Ingredients (for 6-8 servings):

For the Filling:

  • 1½ lbs ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk (or heavy cream)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 min., or until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 5 min., or until softened.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 min., then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme and rosemary, and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 10 min. until the mixture thickens. Stir in the peas and remove from heat.
  7. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them evenly to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create texture on the surface.
  8. Bake for 20-25 min., or until the top is golden brown. For an extra touch, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes in the last 5 min. of baking.
  9. Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for 5 min. before serving.

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