Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes. Stir in butter, warm milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. (Optional) Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Filling
2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and carrots, cooking for another 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Sprinkle in flour and stir to thicken the mixture. Add frozen peas and corn, cooking for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble and Bake
3 Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the beef filling evenly into a baking dish. Gently spread mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. (Optional) Use a fork to create ridges on the potato topping for a crispy finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Note
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the pie a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations:
- Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist.
- Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor in the filling.
Keywords:
easy dinner, comfort food, classic recipe, beef shepherd’s pie, mashed