Prep time: 25 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Total time: 1 hr 10 mins | Servings: 8
This is a classic dish that is loved for many years! A savory gravy-soaked beef with peas and carrots covered with potatoes. The crunchy golden brown cheese is also to die for!
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes:
½ c. salted butter, 1 stick
5 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 or 2” pieces
½ c. sour cream
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
⅓ c. milk, or to taste
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
½ tsp seasoning salt
Beef mixture:
1 ½ lbs ground beef
4 tbsp salted butter, ½ stick
4-5 medium carrots, (about 1 ½ to 2 c.)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 2 c.)
1 ½ c. frozen peas
1 ½ c. beef broth
1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon paste
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp pepper, or to taste
How to Make Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1: With plenty of water, fill a large stock pot. Then, add the chopped potatoes, making sure they are completely covered with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, covered. Then, adjust the heat to medium and continue to cook the potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes or until fork-tender. When done, drain the potatoes and place them back into the pot.
Step 2: Into the pot with the potatoes, add half a c of butter. Using a potato masher or mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Then, add the sour cream, milk, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Next, add all the seasonings. Mix well. Replace the lid and set it aside.
Step 3: Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and carrots. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Then, add the ground beef. Continue to cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking the meat into pieces until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease when done and add the frozen peas.
Step 4: Whisk the beef broth and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this into the meat along with the Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Continue to cook for another 5 minutes over high heat until the mixture is boiling and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. To taste, season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F.
Step 7: Into a deep 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, pour the meat mixture and evenly top with the mashed potatoes followed by cheddar cheese.
Step 8: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. For a crunchy brown cheese, transfer to the top rack of the oven and broil for about 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 726 kcal, carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 27 g, fat: 43 g, saturated fat: 22 g, polyunsaturated fat: 2 g, monounsaturated fat: 14 g, trans fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 129 mg, Sodium: 1405 mg, potassium: 1699 mg, fiber: 9 g, sugar: 7 g, vitamin a: 6089 iu, vitamin c: 70 mg, calcium: 210 mg, iron: 5 mg