Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Serves
Serves 8-10
adjust servings
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes
-
5
pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 or 2 inch pieces
-
1/2
cup (1 stick) salted butter
-
1/2
cup sour cream
-
1/3
cup milk, or to taste
-
1
teaspoon salt
-
1/2
teaspoon pepper
-
1/2
teaspoon seasoning salt
-
1/4
teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4
teaspoon onion powder
For the beef mixture
-
4
tablespoons (half stick) salted butter
-
1
medium onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
-
4-5
medium carrots, (about 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups)
-
1
and 1/2 cups frozen peas
-
1
and 1/2 pounds ground ground beef
-
1
and 1/2 cups beef broth*
-
1
tablespoon cornstarch
-
1
and 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
-
1
teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Beef paste* (see note)
-
1
and 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
-
1/2
teaspoon pepper, or to taste
-
1
cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large stock pot with plenty of water. Add the chopped potatoes and make sure the water covers them.
- Bring to a boil, covered, over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling for about 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return to the pot.
- Add 1/2 cup butter. Mash with a potato masher or mixer until they are as smooth as you like them.
- Stir in sour cream, milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. All seasonings are to taste. Cover and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and carrots. Saute for about 8 minutes, until the carrots are tender.
- Add the ground beef and cook and crumble until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain the fat.
- Add the frozen peas.
- In a small bowl, stir together beef broth* and cornstarch.
- Add this mixture to the meat, as well as the Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture boils and the sauce has thickened. Cook and reduce until it has reached a consistency you like.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste it and see how you like it! Add other seasonings if you want.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pour the meat mixture into a deep 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with the mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
- Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly. (You could do 375 if you are in a hurry. Check it at 20 minutes.)
- Broil on the top rack for about 2 minutes if you are obsessed with crunchy brown cheese like my family is. Don't walk away!!
- Now invite over the neighbors. Because this pie feeds a crowd!
by The Food Charlatan