Description

This classic Shepherd’s Pie features a hearty blend of ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping melted with cheddar cheese. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, this comforting dish combines savory flavors with a creamy texture, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Flavorings and Sauces

2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules

Thickening and Dairy

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup sour cream

Topping

3–1/2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat loses its pink color, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir the thawed corn, peas, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic into the cooked beef mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Prepare thickening mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, beef bouillon granules, and cold water, whisking until smooth and well blended.
Thicken the filling: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Increase heat to medium and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
Incorporate sour cream: Stir the sour cream into the thickened beef mixture and gently heat through without boiling, to add creaminess and richness to the filling.
Top with mashed potatoes and cheese: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Heat through and melt cheese: Cover the skillet and continue cooking on medium-low until the mashed potatoes are warmed through and the cheese has melted, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Notes

Be sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
Use prepared mashed potatoes made with milk and butter for best flavor and creaminess.
Do not boil after adding sour cream, as it can cause curdling.
You can substitute the frozen vegetables with fresh ones if preferred; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the beef mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, stovetop recipe