Seweryn Dominsky
Hearty Comfort: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a Fluffy, Golden Potato Topping
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that brings warmth with every bite. It features a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, mixed with vegetables, all enveloped by a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. This homestyle dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the potato topping:
– 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the potatoes:
– Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
– Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the filling:
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb or beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and peas. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
– Transfer the meat and vegetable filling to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
– Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them to the edges of the dish to form a seal.
– Create decorative peaks in the mashed potatoes with a fork.
4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
– Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a fluffy, golden potato topping!
