Description
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 ½ cups onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 pounds russet or golden potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup half and half, warmed
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese, garlic and fine herbs flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook Vegetables
In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the carrots, celery, and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
Cook Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Make Sauce
Whisk together beef broth and cornstarch. Add it to the skillet along with the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Add the peeled and diced potatoes to a large pot and fill with cold water until the potatoes are covered. Add 2-3 large pinches of kosher salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash well using a potato ricer or hand masher. Add the butter, warm half and half, and Boursin cheese. Mash until creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble Pie
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture in the skillet.
Bake
Bake the Shepherd’s Pie uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Notes
Serving Tips
- Presentation: For an inviting presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top of the Shepherd’s Pie before serving.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Individual Portions: For a fun twist, make individual servings in ramekins or small baking dishes.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label and date the package. Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated or thawed Shepherd’s Pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave on medium power until hot.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Shepherd’s Pie fresh and flavorful, whether serving immediately or saving for later!
