Hearty Shepherd's Pie: A Comforting Classic with Wholesome Ingredients

Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food that brings together layers of savory minced meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. This wholesome dish is great for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

For the meat filling:- 2 tablespoons of olive oil- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 2 cloves of garlic, minced- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)- 2 tablespoons tomato paste- 1 cup beef or chicken broth- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mashed potatoes:- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped- 1/2 cup milk- 1/4 cup butter- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the mashed potatoes** a. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). b. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. c. Add milk and butter, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. **Cook the meat filling** a. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. b. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. c. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. d. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. e. Pour in the broth, then add the peas and carrots, dried thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. **Assemble the Shepherd's Pie** a. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). b. Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. c. Top with an even layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing it out with a spatula. If desired, you can create a decorative pattern on top with the tines of a fork.

4. **Bake and serve** a. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. b. Let the Shepherd's Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Shepherd's Pie, perfect for a cozy family meal!