Classic Beef and Potato Pie (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Filling

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
05 - 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Mashed Potato Topping

12 - 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
13 - 1/2 cup milk
14 - 1/4 cup butter
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
16 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
02 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute
03 - Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink
04 - Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine
05 - Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish and spread it out evenly
06 - While the meat filling is simmering, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes
07 - Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste
08 - Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling
10 - Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for a few minutes before serving

# Cook's Notes:

01 - Can be made with either ground beef or lamb
02 - Freezes well for up to 3 months
03 - Cheese topping is optional but adds extra flavor