The Best Classic Shepherd's Pie
This recipe is essential for brisk fall days. It's comforting and rich with savory flavors of mushroom, beef, and onion, while hints of brightness come through with the lemon and wine.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mashed potatoes, pre-cooked
- 1 tsp paprika, plus some to garnish
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 1 bunch celery, 2 cups, chopped
- 2 cups crimini mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 Tbsp thyme
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ⅛ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup red wine, a dry variety
- ½ c beef broth
- 1 lb ground beef, or a mix of ground beef and ground lamb
- 4 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add 2 Tbsp butter to a large skillet and heat on high; add beef when butter is hot, and begin to brown—add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned, and remove from pan, making sure to leave the juices.
- Add 1 Tbsp more butter and crimini chopped mushrooms. Allow to sit in the butter a few minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 1 Tbsp butter. Pour in chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and allow to cook and soften for 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Increase heat to medium and return meat to pan, then add in wine and scrape bits off of the bottom of the pan. Allow liquid to reduce for 2-3 minutes, then add beef broth, paprika, lemon, thyme, and Worcestershire. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir to incorporate, allowing liquid to reduce further, stirring semi-frequently for 8-10 minutes.
- When liquid has reduced, add meat mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread into an even layer, then spread mashed potatoes on top. If you’re using cold or leftover mashed potatoes, fluff them with a fork as you pile them on top. When mashed potatoes are spread on the meat mixture, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese, and a dash of paprika on top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and serve!
Notes
Reposted from September 2019.