Pub Shepherd’s Pie is one of the most beloved English dishes in history, and it’s easy to see why! It’s one of the great comfort foods, with a rich flavor fit for royalty. Fluffy, buttery, creamy mashed potatoes sit atop seasoned, juicy beef and vegetables with extra meaty flavor. Beautifully seasoned, Pub Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect pick-me-up after a cold autumn day as its hearty warmth fills you from head to toe!
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes:
- kosher salt, to taste
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, washed, peeled, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the beef mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ground pepper, to taste
- kosher salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions
Step 1 –Add cold water with the kosher salt to a medium stockpot.
Step 2 –Add in the potatoes, and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3 –Boil the potatoes until a knife can effortlessly pierce them, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4 –Drain the water, and return the potatoes to the pot.
Step 5 –Cook and stir the potatoes in the pot over low heat for about 2 minutes. This helps remove any excess moisture and improves the texture of the mashed potatoes.
Step 6 –Transfer the potatoes from the heat.
Step 7 –Mash up the potatoes using a masher.
Step 8 –Add in the sour cream, thyme, butter, and milk.
Step 9 –Season with the ground pepper and kosher salt, to taste.
Step 10 –Combine well, then set aside.
Step 11 –Preheat the broiler on high.
Step 12 –In a large ovenproof skillet, on medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
Step 13 –Add in and mix the carrots, onion, and celery.
Step 14 –Season the vegetables with ground pepper and kosher salt, to taste.
Step 15 –Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.
Step 16 –Add in the fresh thyme and garlic powder, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 17 –Place the ground beef into the skillet, cooking and breaking the beef into pieces until fully browned, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 18 –Add the tomato paste and flour and cook, stirring thoroughly, until the raw flour smell dissipates, about 1 minute.
Step 19 –Pour in the beef broth and cook until the beef mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
Step 20 –Season with pepper and kosher salt, to taste.
Step 21 –Top the beef mixture with the mashed potatoes, making sure to leave a small gap on the edges.
Step 22 –Top the potatoes with the mozzarella cheese.
Step 23 –Place the pie in the oven, broiling until the top is lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
Step 24 –Serve immediately.
