Description
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic featuring ground beef and mixed vegetables simmered in a savory sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward preparation for delicious results in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (93/10 lean to fat ratio)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bag frozen peas and carrots mix (approximately 12 oz)
- 1 can corn, drained (about 15 oz)
Seasonings and Sauce
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet placed over medium heat, combine the ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, chopped yellow onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, ensuring the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix, drained corn, celery salt, and pepper to taste, combining everything evenly in the skillet.
- Make and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened and coated the ingredients.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the savory beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Carefully spoon and spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the beef mixture to create a smooth layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors. If you prefer a browned top on your mashed potatoes, place the pie under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your hearty homemade meal!
Notes
- You can customize the vegetable mix based on what your family prefers or has on hand.
- Using 93/10 ground beef helps reduce fat yet keeps the dish flavorful.
- Mashed potatoes can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.
- Broiling for a few minutes gives the top a lovely, crispy finish but requires careful attention to avoid burning.
