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Cozy Mums Shepherds Pie Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Mashed Potato Crust

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A warm, comforting shepherd’s pie topped with a creamy mashed potato crust, perfect for cozy nights and busy weeks. This recipe features a savory ground beef and vegetable filling with a buttery, silky mashed potato topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: Grated cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return to pot.
  2. Add softened butter and milk or cream to the hot potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Add frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the meat and vegetable filling evenly into the baking dish.
  7. Carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, starting from the edges to seal the filling in and then filling the center. Use a fork to create textured ridges on the mashed potato surface.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the potato crust is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top 5 minutes before the end of baking.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overboil potatoes to avoid gluey mash. Drain excess grease after browning beef to prevent soggy filling. Simmer filling to thicken and avoid watery consistency. Use a fork to texture mashed potatoes before baking for a rustic golden crust. Add a splash of milk if mashed potatoes are too stiff to spread. Rest pie for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, creamy mashed potato crust, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal, homemade shepherd's pie

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-mums-shepherds-pie-recipe-easy-homemade-creamy-mashed-potato-crust/