Yield: Serves 6 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is made out of meat and vegetables and topped with a layer of golden mashed potatoes. When you think of it, it makes perfect sense: a savory twist on the original apple. Ground beef makes for a hearty filling and the potatoes replace that flaky, sweet crust. This good ol’ meat-and-potatoes dish will go down easy.
INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 pounds ground sirloin
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
3 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated mashed potatoes, or homemade
Fresh sage for garnish (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 7 × 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add the sirloin and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat and return the meat to the pan.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, tomato paste, salt, and pepper; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are hot. In a small bowl, whisk the broth and flour together. Add the broth mixture to the beef mixture. Heat to boiling; cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into the baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture; fluff with a fork. Bake for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown. Serve, garnished with fresh sage leaves if desired.
