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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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A hearty and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring savory ground beef and veggies beneath creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the filling)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs (optional)
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled (for roasting)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place peeled garlic cloves on a small baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 15 minutes until soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until onions soften (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  5. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  6. Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add roasted garlic cloves, butter, and milk. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if not still warm. Spread the beef filling evenly in your baking dish. Dollop mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create peaks in the potato layer for a rustic look.
  8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for fluffy mashed potatoes. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness. For a crispier top, brush mashed potatoes with melted butter or sprinkle grated cheddar before baking. You can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. To lighten, replace half the butter with Greek yogurt in the mashed potatoes. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen before baking for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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