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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 cup (120 g) corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to pot.
  2. Add butter and warm milk to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in fresh parsley and thyme or rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  6. Add peas, carrots, and corn. Stir to combine.
  7. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If too runny, add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water and cook for another minute.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat filling evenly in a baking dish.
  9. Dollop garlic herb mashed potatoes over the filling and spread gently to cover completely. Optionally brush with melted butter or sprinkle shredded cheese.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and filling bubbles at edges.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, check Worcestershire sauce or substitute with tamari. For vegetarian, swap meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Roasting garlic mellows flavor. Browning meat well adds depth. Add extra warm milk if mashed potatoes are stiff. Broil last 2-3 minutes for crispy top.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, garlic herb mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, lamb recipe, cozy meal