Hearty American Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

Hearty American Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie ingredients

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes
• 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Watch how to make Hearty American Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

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

How to make Hearty American Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

1. For the mashed potatoes: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well and return to the hot pot.
2. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. For the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables soften.
6. Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
7. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the skillet or transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. Evenly spread the mashed potato topping over the beef mixture, using a fork to create peaks or patterns. If using a skillet, place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the potato topping is golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning (watch carefully!).
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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