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Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Ground Beef

Easy Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes Peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp Butter Unsalted, divided
  • 1/2 cup Milk Warmed
  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef Lean (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Finely chopped
  • 2 medium Carrots Peeled and diced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Diced
  • 1 cup Frozen peas Thawed slightly
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour For thickening the gravy
  • 1 cup Beef broth Low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the warm milk. Mash until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  • In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and all-purpose flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  • Stir in the frozen peas and remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Spread the meat and vegetable filling into an even layer in the skillet (or transfer to a 9x9-inch baking dish). Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them to the edges to seal in the filling.
  • Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it over the mashed potatoes. Run a fork lightly across the surface to create ridges.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the gravy is bubbling around the edges and the potato topping is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.