Why Make This Recipe
Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for any family dinner. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheese for a delightful finish. It’s a one-dish meal that is filling, nutritious, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Making Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef is not only simple but also budget-friendly. You can whip it up quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it can satisfy even the pickiest eaters, as you can customize the ingredients according to your family’s taste.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15 minutes or until they are very soft. You want them to be tender enough to mash easily.Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done, drain them well and place them back into the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, 0.25 cup of milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mash the potatoes until they are creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute to let it cook slightly.Add Liquid and Vegetables
Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring continuously. This will help to create a smooth sauce. Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and dried parsley. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens nicely.Preheat the Oven
While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Transfer to Baking Dish
Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.Top with Mashed Potatoes
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture to create a nice layer on top. Smooth it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.Add Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, ensuring even coverage.Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Once your Shepherd’s Pie has baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut it into squares or scoops and serve hot. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Your family will love digging into this hearty dish!
How to Store Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Storing Shepherd’s Pie is simple. You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing it in order to maintain its texture and flavor.
To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for quick reheating. If you want to freeze it for later use, you can wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil, freezing for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If you have fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn, feel free to swap them with the frozen mixed vegetables for a fresher taste.
- Make it Creamier: For creamier mashed potatoes, you can add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream along with milk and butter.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your beef mixture before adding it to the baking dish. Adjust seasoning if necessary to get it just right.
- Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor.
Variations (if any)
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the texture.
- Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb if you want to maintain the classic Shepherd’s Pie feel. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Herbs and Spices: Add your favorite herbs and spices, like thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor profile of the beef mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator before baking. Just make sure to bake it within 24 hours for the best results.
2. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour alternative and ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
3. Can I bake Shepherd’s Pie in a different sized dish?
Absolutely! You can use a larger or smaller baking dish. Just be mindful that baking time may vary based on the depth and size of the dish.
Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie not only brings a sense of warmth and comfort but also makes family meals straightforward and enjoyable. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious dish that wraps your loved ones in a sense of home with every bite. Enjoy your cooking experience and the delightful outcome of this hearty Shepherd’s Pie!
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Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comfort food classic combining seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15 minutes or until they are very soft.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, 0.25 cup of milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mash until creamy.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink.
- Draining excess grease, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and dried parsley. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture and smooth it out.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
Customize the ingredients according to your family’s taste; for vegetarian options, replace beef with lentils or meat substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg