This heart warming dish never gets old, and it’s the perfect comfort food for this time of the year. A savory, hearty beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Simple, comforting, and always a family favorite!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Oven temperature: 375°F
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk
For the Meat Filling
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large celery stalk, diced
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes well. Using a potato ricer, mash them for a smooth, even texture. If you don’t have a potato ricer, a potato masher or fork will work just fine.
Add the butter, egg yolk, and salt. Mix with a spatula until creamy and well combined. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with the salt and black pepper, and cook until no longer pink.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for about 1 minute.
Stir in the garlic, then add the carrots, celery, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the vegetables. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the beef broth.
Stir everything together and simmer until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Spread the meat filling evenly into a baking dish.
Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over the filling. For a decorative finish, use a piping bag to create little swirls. For a more traditional look, spread the potatoes evenly with a spatula and use the back of a fork to create a pattern across the top.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is lightly golden.
For an extra golden finish, place the pie under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.