Description
Nothing beats the smell of savory meat, herbs, and buttery mashed potatoes baking in the oven. This lazy version of Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie with beef) delivers all the rich, hearty flavor of the classic without the fuss of peeling and boiling potatoes. It comes together in about 40 minutes and is the ultimate cozy, soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
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2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings/variations:
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy crust
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Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
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Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
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Add onion and sauté for 3–4 min until translucent.
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Add garlic and cook 30 sec, until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
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Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Cook 5–7 min until no longer pink.
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Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
Step 4: Build the Flavor
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Push beef to the side and add tomato paste to the hot skillet; cook 1 min.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Create the Gravy
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Pour in beef broth, scraping the pan for browned bits.
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Simmer 5–7 min until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Add Veggies
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Stir in frozen vegetables; cook 2–3 min until heated through.
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Transfer filling to a baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.
Step 7: Top with Mashed Potatoes
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Spread mashed potatoes over beef mixture, sealing edges to prevent bubbling.
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Optional: Use a fork to create little ridges for browning.
Step 8: Bake
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Bake uncovered 20–25 min until filling is bubbling and potatoes are golden.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
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Let stand 5–10 min before serving for perfect slices. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
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Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake directly from fridge, adding 10–15 min.
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Freeze: Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
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Cheesy Topping: Mix shredded cheddar into mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top.
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Vegetable Boost: Swap or add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
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Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of BBQ sauce.
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Classic Shepherd’s Pie: Use ground lamb instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 24 g