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Creamy Classic Shepherds Pie Recipe Easy Garlic Mashed Potato Crust

creamy classic shepherds pie - featured image

A comforting and easy shepherd’s pie featuring a creamy garlic mashed potato crust and a savory meat and vegetable filling. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel 4 garlic cloves, wrap in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes until soft. Set aside to cool.
  2. Place peeled Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  3. Mash the drained potatoes with roasted garlic, softened butter, and warm milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and diced carrots; cook 3 more minutes.
  5. Add ground lamb or beef to skillet, breaking it up. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and simmer until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in thawed peas.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer filling to an oven-safe dish. Spread garlic mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spatula or fork.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until potato crust is golden and crispy at edges. For a more browned top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect creamy yet fluffy crust. Roast garlic to mellow its flavor and add sweetness. Avoid over-mashing potatoes to prevent gluey texture. If filling is too wet, add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Rest pie before serving to help it hold together. For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, garlic mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, lamb, beef, casserole, cozy meal