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Savory Shepherd’s Pie with Brown Butter Mashed Potato Crust

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A comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie featuring a rich, nutty brown butter mashed potato crust and a savory ground beef and vegetable filling. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (to be browned)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut Yukon Gold potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. While potatoes cook, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until golden brown and nutty smelling (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over (7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat.
  6. Add frozen peas and carrots, then pour in beef broth. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until mixture thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Drain cooked potatoes well and return to pot or mixing bowl. Add browned butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth with a bit of texture. Season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat filling evenly in an oven-safe baking dish.
  9. Spoon or pipe brown butter mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing or creating peaks for texture.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until potato crust is golden and slightly crisp on edges. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overwork the mashed potatoes to keep some texture for a rustic crust. Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning. If filling is too runny, simmer longer or add a small sprinkle of flour during cooking. Let the pie rest after baking for easier serving. For extra crispness, broil for a few minutes at the end. Variations include swapping beef for lamb, lentils for vegetarian, or sweet potatoes for the crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, brown butter mashed potatoes, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, cozy meal, family recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-shepherds-pie-with-brown-butter-mashed-potato-crust-easy-recipe/