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Comforting Shepherds Pie Recipe with Easy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Crust

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A hearty and elegant shepherd’s pie featuring a crispy garlic parmesan mashed potato crust that adds a rich, savory twist to the classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb, browned and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted and mashed
  • 3 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the garlic cloves, wrap them in foil, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Peel and cube the potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  3. In a mixing bowl, mash the hot potatoes with 2 tablespoons butter, milk or cream, roasted garlic (squeeze out softened cloves), and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs. Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add frozen peas last, cooking just until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in your baking dish. Top with the garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, spreading gently with a spatula to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create texture on top for a crispy crust.
  7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato crust is golden and slightly crispy at the edges. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Let the shepherd’s pie sit for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

Roast the garlic before adding to mashed potatoes to mellow its sharpness and add sweetness. Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and melt. Drain potatoes well and mash gently to avoid gluey texture. Browning meat properly adds depth. If filling is too watery, simmer longer or add cornstarch slurry to thicken. For extra crispy crust, create texture on top with a fork and optionally broil briefly.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, casserole, ground beef, lamb, cozy meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/comforting-shepherds-pie-recipe-with-easy-garlic-parmesan-mashed-potato-crust/