Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie takes all the classic flavors of the traditional dish—savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes—and serves them up in a modern, simplified way. No baking required, just quick stovetop cooking and a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for richer potatoes)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Meat & Veggie Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
   Place potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
   Drain and return to pot. Add milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Meat & Veggies:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and carrots; cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and peas.
   Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Season to taste.
4. Assemble and Serve:
   Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls. Top with a generous helping of the meat and vegetable mixture.
   Garnish with fresh parsley or additional thyme, if desired.

Notes

• Swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based ground alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Add a splash of red wine when simmering the meat for extra depth.
• Great for meal prep—store the mashed potatoes and meat mixture separately for best results.

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