Shepherd's Pie Recipe Ground Beef

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Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie, a comforting classic, boasts a rich history as a staple in British cuisine. While traditionally made with lamb (hence “shepherd’s”), the “shepherd’s pie recipe ground beef” variation offers a readily accessible and equally delicious alternative. Its ease of preparation and satisfying flavors make it a popular choice for weeknight dinners and family gatherings. The dish consists of a savory meat base topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes, creating a warm and hearty meal that is both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large Onion, diced
• 2 Carrots, diced
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1/2 cup Frozen Peas
• 1/2 cup Frozen Corn
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk or half-and-half recommended for richness)
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Cream Cheese for extra creaminess

Substitutions: Ground turkey or ground lamb can be substituted for ground beef. Mixed vegetables can replace the peas and corn. Chicken broth can be used if beef broth is unavailable. Sweet potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter topping.

Preparation Steps

Begin by preparing the vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniformly sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely. Set these aside. Prepare the potatoes by peeling and quartering them. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Adding salt to the water will help season the potatoes as they cook. For enhanced flavor in the meat filling, consider browning the ground beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.

Cooking Instructions

Mashed Potatoes: Bring the potatoes to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. If desired, stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness. Set aside. Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Assembling and Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat filling. Use a fork to create swirls in the mashed potatoes. This will help with browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For a more golden-brown topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Shepherd’s pie recipe ground beef is a complete meal on its own. However, it pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans. A crusty bread, such as sourdough or baguette, is also a delightful accompaniment to soak up the savory sauce. For a more substantial side dish, consider roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added visual appeal.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips:

• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the ground beef.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes for warmth.
• Use a piping bag to pipe the mashed potatoes onto the filling for a more elegant presentation.
• If using frozen mashed potatoes, ensure they are fully thawed before spreading them over the filling.

Common Mistakes:

• Overcrowding the pan when browning the ground beef, which leads to steaming instead of browning.
• Not draining the excess grease from the ground beef, resulting in a greasy pie.
• Using too much liquid in the meat filling, resulting in a watery pie.
• Baking the pie for too long, causing the mashed potatoes to dry out.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning to prepare “shepherd’s pie recipe ground beef” unlocks a world of culinary comfort and versatility. Its deeply satisfying flavor and adaptability to various dietary needs and preferences make it an invaluable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. From customizing the vegetables to experimenting with different toppings, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the warmth and simplicity of this classic dish, and discover the joy of creating memorable meals for loved ones. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Try the recipe at home and discover more exciting cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.