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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Crispy Golden Potato Topping

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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a savory ground beef filling and a crispy, golden Yukon Gold potato topping. Perfect for a quick, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or lamb for a traditional twist)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • ¼ cup whole milk or cream (dairy-free milk if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg yolk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well.
  2. Return drained potatoes to pot or bowl. Add milk or cream, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in egg yolk if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or lamb) and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Mix in tomato paste, stirring to coat meat and veggies. Pour in beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in frozen peas during last 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon meat and vegetable filling evenly into an ovenproof baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer. Use a fork to create texture on the surface.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until potato topping is golden brown and crispy around edges.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end while watching closely. Use fresh thyme for best flavor. Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy filling. Yukon Gold potatoes provide the best balance of creaminess and crispiness. Can substitute ground beef with lamb, turkey, chicken, or lentils for vegetarian option. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, comfort food, ground beef, crispy potato topping, easy dinner, family meal, Yukon Gold potatoes

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