What's for Dinner Tonight? - Easy Shepherd's Pie

I love comfort foods, and Shepherd's Pie is one of the best. Since I couldn't find a recipe in either my Betty Crocker or Fanny Farmer cookbooks I searched online. I found this one from Delish.com, and was very happy with the results. The added thyme gives it a nice burst of extra flavor. You can make your own mashed potatoes as directed, or use the family size Idaho butter flavor instant mashed. I had enough for 2 meals so I froze half, and it was just as good when I reheated it.

Easy Shepherd's Pie

For the potatoes:
1-1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled
Salt
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
Black pepper

For the beef mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup frozen petite peas
1 cup frozen corn
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Make mashed potatoes: In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until totally soft, 16 to 18 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

2. Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until smooth. Add the melted butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash together until fully incorporated, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Make beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrots, garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant and softened, 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes more. Drain fat.

4. Stir in frozen peas and corn and cook until warmed through, 3 minutes more. Sprinkle meat with flour and stir to evenly distribute. Cook 1 minute more and add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let mixture thicken slightly, 5 minutes.

5. Put beef mixture in square casserole dish and cover with an even layer of mashed potatoes. Bake until there is very little liquid visible and mashed potatoes are golden, about 20 minutes. Broil if desired.

Garnish with parsley before serving.


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