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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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A warm and hearty shepherd’s pie featuring a rich ground beef and vegetable filling topped with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled (roasted or boiled)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes and 4 garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add frozen peas and carrots to filling and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Drain potatoes and garlic well. Return to pot or mixing bowl. Add softened butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread meat and vegetable filling evenly in baking dish. Dollop garlic mashed potatoes on top and spread gently. Use a fork to create rough texture on surface.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and slightly crispy at edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Avoid overmixing mashed potatoes to prevent gummy texture. Browning beef well enhances flavor. Season at multiple stages to avoid blandness. If mashed potatoes dry out during baking, add a pat of butter on top before baking. Cover with foil if top browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, garlic mashed potatoes, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, cozy meal, weeknight recipe