🥧 Classic Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Saucepan for mashed potatoes
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×9 or 9×13-inch  baking dish
• Potato masher or electric mixer

Ingredients

For the  Meat Filling

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
• ¾ cup Heinz Tomato Juice
• 2 tablespoons Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 3 cups warm mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup warm milk

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the meat evenly.

Pour in the ketchup, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, then add the frozen mixed vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

In a medium saucepan, combine the warm mashed potatoes, butter, minced garlic, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed for your preferred consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create light ridges on top   this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.