World's Best Shepherd's Pie

MarkG's Note:

There are a number of shepherd's pie recipes out there and this recipe takes the best elements and creates, what I believe to be the World's Best...

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 6 medium potatoes
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 (2 ounce) package onion soup mix
• 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cut green beans
• 1 cup corn niblets
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Peel potatoes and slice into 1" cubes and add to medium sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to boil and simmer until soft.
3. In large skillet, add onions, garlic and 3 tbsp butter and saute until translucent.
4. Drain water from potatoes and add 3 tbsp butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese and salt. Whip until smooth and creamy.
5. Add ground beef to onions and garlic and brown thoroughly.
6. Add flour and onion soup mix. Mix well and cook for 2 -3 minutes. Add broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and cayenne pepper and combine thoroughly.
7. Add vegetables and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Pour meat and vegetable mixture into casserole dish and top with mashed potato mixture. Place in oven. Cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Reviews

[QueenBee49444]

I have tried several Sheperd's Pie recipes - looking for the right one - I don't have to look any further. This is terrific!!! I made a couple of changes, used ground chicken and chicken broth instead of beef. I also cut down on the cayenne pepper and the flavor was fantastic. Thanks for posting. This is going straight to my favorites book!

[N0_0ne]

first shepard's pie Ive ever made. I thought it was excellent. However the rest of the family found it a little on the spicy side. So for all those who aren't big fans of spicy I suggest you ease up on the cayenne pepper, I personally like spicy food but thought I'd drop a warning to others. Great recipe chef!

[Rugger Chef]

Great recipe. This version of Sheperd's Pie is a significant improvement over the one we used previously. This one packs a lot more flavor.