No-Fuss Shepherd's Pie: Quick and Easy Comfort Food Perfection

No- Fuss Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie, a classic comfort food, is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines a layer of ground meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes. While traditional shepherd's pie recipes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, this no-fuss version simplifies the process for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

For the Ground Meat Layer:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup tomato paste
* Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Making the Ground Meat Layer:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, beef broth, and tomato paste.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Making the Mashed Potato Layer:
1. In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Add the milk, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash until smooth.

Assembling the Shepherd's Pie:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the ground meat mixture in an even layer in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
3. Top with the mashed potato layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.

Tips:

* For a vegetarian shepherd's pie, substitute ground beef with lentils or a mixture of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* Prepare the ground meat layer ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and oregano instead.
* Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This no-fuss shepherd's pie is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.