Beef and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting classic, Beef and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie layers a rich, savoury filling under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cooler evenings or whenever you crave a hearty, one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetable Filling

• 500g ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch) to thicken
• 250ml beef stock (low-sodium if preferred)

Mashed Potato Topping

• 700g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 30g butter (about 2 tablespoons)
• 60–80ml milk (adjust for preferred consistency)
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Grated cheese for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. Warm the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until browned. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and diced carrot, cooking for a few more minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Season and Thicken

1. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme if using, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) over the mixture and stir to coat the beef and vegetables.
3. Gradually add the beef stock, mixing well to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the peas and let everything cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavours have blended.

3. Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. While the beef filling simmers, place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water.
2. Boil for about 15–20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
4. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

4. Assemble

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Transfer the beef and vegetable filling to a baking dish.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, using a fork to create texture or patterns.
4. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top for an extra layer of flavour.

5. Bake

1. Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potato topping is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
3. For extra browning, switch to grill (broil) mode for the last few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
2. Scoop into individual portions and enjoy on its own or with a fresh green salad.

Tips for a Delicious Shepherd’s Pie

• Add more vegetables like corn, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavour and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, consider swapping half the potatoes for cauliflower in the mash.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the best texture, though a microwave works if you’re short on time.

Enjoy this Beef and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie as a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines rich flavours and a satisfying texture in every bite.