Easy Shepherd's Pie

Step 1

My homemade mashed potato recipe is perfect for this recipe, you’ll make a half batch to end up with 3 cups. While the potatoes boil, prepare the filling.

Step 2

Preheat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and celery. Saute for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3

Increase heat to high. Add the ground beef. Cook and crumbled until cooked through. Drain all excess grease.

Step 4

Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle in the flour and toss to coat. Add the Tomato Paste and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Deglaze the pan with the Chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the pan, this adds flavor to the filling.

Step 6

Add HALF of the brown gravy. Stir in the vegetables until heated through.

Step 7

Season with salt/pepper and add more gravy if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Transfer to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or 7 x 11 casserole dish. Carefully spread warm mashed potatoes on top.

Step 9

Use a fork to “rake” lines into the mashed potatoes.

Step 10

Set the oven rack about 5 inches away from the broiler. Set to a high broil, 550 degrees.

Step 11

Broil for about 5 minutes watch it after 2 minutes, it will go from perfectly browned to burned quickly.

Step 12

Remove from heat and serve.