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Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie

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Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, and Ina Garten’s version brings a perfect balance of rich flavors and creamy textures. This hearty dish features a savory beef filling with tender vegetables, all topped with buttery mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, this classic recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • Olive oil
  • Unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter together.
  4. Drain potatoes and mash them with the warm milk and butter mixture.
  5. Stir in parsley and Parmesan (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, salt, and oregano. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  6. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Assemble the Pie:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 2-quart baking dish.
  3. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges on top.

Bake the Pie:

  1. Bake for 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
  2. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use lamb instead of beef – For a traditional take on shepherd’s pie.
  • Add cheese – Sprinkle cheddar on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
  • Make it vegetarian – Swap beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Try different herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary add a fragrant touch.
  • Sweet potato topping – Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of russets for a twist.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British