Speedy Shepherd’s Pie is a quick and delicious version of the classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients and shortcuts like pre-made mashed potatoes, so you can have this warm, satisfying dish on the table in under an hour. Perfect for feeding the whole family, Speedy Shepherd’s Pie is sure to become a go-to favorite for dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb for a more traditional flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add the vegetables and make the gravy: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat the beef and vegetables. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, until a thick gravy forms. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top, covering the filling completely. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the Speedy Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Speedy Shepherd’s Pie is a quick and comforting dish that delivers all the rich flavors of the classic recipe in a fraction of the time. With its savory filling and creamy potato topping, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
