Classic American Shepherd's Pie

Classic American Shepherd's Pie ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 cup, diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs, peeled and quartere potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 0.5 cup, warmed milk (whole or 2%)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup (optional) shredded cheddar cheese

Watch how to make Classic American Shepherd's Pie

Follow the key cooking steps, then use the full instructions below for measurements and timing.

How to make Classic American Shepherd's Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For the Potato Topping: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
3. Return potatoes to the pot. Add warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Set aside.
4. For the Beef Filling: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or Dutch oven recommended), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
5. Add diced onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Remove from heat.
9. Carefully spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the beef filling in the skillet. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning on the potatoes.
11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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