Pioneer Woman Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Pioneer Woman Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It is warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced small
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil the Potatoes
- Place the peeled potato cubes in a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Brown the Meat
- While potatoes cook, brown the ground meat in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off the excess fat to keep it healthy.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onions and carrots to the skillet with the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic for one minute.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
Add the Peas
- Fold in the frozen peas at the very end. You don't need to cook them long. They will finish cooking in the oven and stay bright green.
Mash the Potatoes
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk. Mash until they are completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt.
Layer the Pie
- Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of your baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Use a fork to make decorative peaks.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 20 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the edges should be bubbling.
Add Cheese Topping
- If you like cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes. Let it melt and get bubbly. This adds a beautiful salty crust to the dish.
Notes
- Meat Choice: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb. Using beef makes it a "Cottage Pie," but both taste amazing.
- Veggie Boost: Add corn or chopped green beans for more texture.
- Creamy Potatoes: Use a splash of heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.
- Potato Peaks: Use a fork to create "ridges" on the potatoes. These bits get crispy and delicious in the oven.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat for a little kick.