Classic Shepherd’s Pie with a Modern Twist
Indulge in the simplicity and heartiness of this easy shepherd’s pie recipe, also known as cottage pie. Made with ground beef, this gluten-free dish requires only six ingredients, making it a budget-friendly and convenient make-ahead freezer meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, washed and cut into 2″ chunks
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 diced onion
- 1.5-2 lbs lean ground beef or turkey
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and/or green beans)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Cover the Yukon gold potatoes with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Meat:
- While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the diced onion in 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and sauté until just fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Mash Potatoes:
- When the potatoes are soft, drain and mash them with 4 tablespoons of butter and the milk (3/4 cup).
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Pie:
- In a 9×13 baking dish, layer the ground beef mixture, frozen vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
- Optionally, divide the ingredients into two smaller baking dishes for freezing (see notes).
- Top with Butter and Bake:
- Use the back of a spoon to smooth the potatoes, leaving some ridges, or create a ridged pattern with a fork.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and drizzle it evenly on top of the potatoes.
- Bake at 425°F for approximately 30 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown. Run the broiler for the last 5 minutes for extra crispy potatoes.
Delight in the classic charm of this shepherd’s pie, where simplicity meets flavor for a satisfying and convenient meal.