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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Delight with Crispy Golden Topping

cozy shepherd’s pie delight - featured image
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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
  2. Return potatoes to pot or mixing bowl. Add softened butter and warm milk, mash until smooth but still a bit rustic. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up until browned (7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Mix in tomato paste, add frozen peas and carrots. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until liquid reduces and thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat filling evenly in baking dish.
  7. Spoon mashed potatoes over meat, smoothing with spatula. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top if using.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Brush potato surface with melted butter, then sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
  9. Bake on middle oven rack for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and crispy and filling is bubbly.
  10. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brush the mashed potato layer with melted butter before adding breadcrumbs to achieve a golden crispy topping. Drain excess fat from beef but leave a little for flavor. Let the pie rest after baking to set layers. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. Leftover mashed potatoes can be used. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, crispy topping, ground beef, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-shepherds-pie-delight-recipe-easy-homemade-crispy-topping/