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:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter together.
- Drain potatoes and mash them with the warm milk and butter mixture.
- Stir in parsley and Parmesan (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, mushrooms, salt, and oregano. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges on top.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake for 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British