Speedy Beef Shepherds Pie Weeknight Wonder

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some quick ground beef recipes that are total winners? Ever get that craving for something proper comforting, but haven't got all day to faff about in the kitchen? I know I do! This Speedy Beef Shepherd's Pie is your answer.

It’s dead easy and unbelievably tasty.

Quick Hook

What if you could have a comfort food with ground beef classic on the table in under an hour? This recipe delivers that! Think hearty beef, loads of flavour, and fluffy mashed potatoes, all ready in a flash.

It's like a warm hug on a plate, but quick.

Brief Overview

Shepherd's Pie is a dish steeped in British tradition. This simplified version lets you enjoy it, even on the busiest weeknight ground beef recipes schedule.

This recipe is rated as easy, taking around 45 minutes total. It yields enough for 4-6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This easy shepherd's pie recipe is a fantastic source of protein and hidden veggies. This is perfect for a family meal, especially when the weather turns nippy.

What makes it special is its speed and simplicity without compromising on that classic comfort food with ground beef flavour.

Ready to get cracking? Let's talk ingredients. I swear, this will become one of your go-to quick beef shepherd's pie dinners.

I've been making this for years, and even my super picky little brother loves it!

I'm always looking for ways to make it easier without losing any of the flavor. The best advice I can give you is to not skip the Worcestershire sauce.

It really makes a difference. One thing I found while cooking is you can try with shepherd's pie variations , don't hold back on those veggies, add extras to make it totally yours.

A tip I wish I had known when I first started.

Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty for our Speedy Beef Shepherd's Pie. This isn't your nan's all-day affair. We're talking quick, easy, and seriously tasty quick ground beef recipes for those hectic weeknights.

Honestly, you'll be amazed at how much comfort food with ground beef you can pack into under an hour. I make this one on those days when my brain is just fried, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment

This easy shepherd's pie recipe needs just a few key things. We're keeping it simple, I promise.

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil ( 15 ml ): Any oil will do, but olive oil adds a nice touch.
• 1 lb Ground Beef ( 450g ): Aim for an 80/20 blend. A little fat equals flavour! If you want it more budget friendly ground beef recipes can use even 70/30 ground beef.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion ( 150g ), diced: Adds sweetness and depth. Don't skip it.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced ( approx 1 tsp or 5g ): The more, the merrier, I say!
• 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – approx 150g ): Saves a ton of time.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained ( approx 400g ): Adds acidity and body.
• 1 cup Beef Broth ( 240 ml ): Low sodium is best to control the salt.
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste ( 30 ml ): For richness and colour.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme ( 5 ml ): Adds a herby note.
• 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary ( 2.5 ml ): Adds a woodsy touch.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce ( 5 ml ): The secret umami weapon!. If you want to try the ground beef dinner ideas , or make some one-pan ground beef meals it will make a big difference.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

And for that glorious topping:

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes ( 900g ), peeled and quartered: Fluffy is the key!
• 1/2 cup Milk ( 120 ml ), preferably whole milk: For that creamy texture.
• 4 tbsp Butter ( 60g ), unsalted: Butter makes everything better, honestly.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese ( 30g ) for topping: Because cheese. I'm a huge fan of using this option if i'm planning ahead this easy beef mince recipes .

Seasoning Notes

Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo for shepherd's pie. Worcestershire sauce? Absolute game changer. I remember the first time I added it, total ground beef recipes for beginners , and BAM.

The flavor jumped out! Don't have thyme or rosemary? Italian seasoning works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy kit for these quick beef shepherd's pie :

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and simmering the filling.
• Potato Masher or Electric Mixer: For the mash. Electric mixer makes it extra fluffy!
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking.
• Medium Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.

Don't have a potato masher? A fork works just fine. No baking dish? Use an oven safe skillet. We are all about shepherd's pie variations if you are short on equipment.

The main purpose is making it easy shepherd's pie recipe . And now let’s move on to how we put all this deliciousness together.

Cracking the Code: Speedy Beef Shepherd's Pie Cooking Method

Alright, let’s get cracking on this Speedy Beef Shepherd's Pie . Honestly, it's one of my go-to quick ground beef recipes for a reason.

It's proper comfort food! Think of it as a warm hug on a plate, and it's way easier than you might think.

This is one of those ground beef dinner ideas that I can whip up even after a long day. Plus, it can be one of your next weeknight ground beef recipes rotation.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place . That's fancy chef talk for getting everything ready. Dice that one yellow onion (about 150g ).

Mince those two cloves of garlic (roughly 5g ). Peel and quarter the 900g of potatoes. Got it? Good. This recipe can be considered among ground beef recipes for beginners .

Time saving tip: Buy pre-minced garlic and pre-cut frozen veggies. Honestly, I do this all the time. For this quick beef shepherd's pie , no one will know.

Safety reminder: Watch those fingers when chopping! No one wants a trip to A&E.

step-by-step: Shepherd's Pie in a Snap

1. Boil the potatoes: Get those potato chunks boiling until tender. Takes around 15- 20 minutes . We want them fork tender, not rock hard.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the 450g ground beef over medium high heat. Remember to drain off any excess fat, no one likes a greasy pie.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until they soften. About 3- 5 minutes . They should be fragrant, not burnt.
4. Combine the filling: Stir in that 150g of frozen mixed veggies, the 400g can of diced tomatoes, 240ml of beef broth, 30ml of tomato paste, 5ml of dried thyme, 2.5ml of rosemary, and 5ml of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer, simmer: Bring it all to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes , or until it thickens up a bit.
6. Mash those potatoes: While the filling simmers, mash those spuds with 120ml of milk and 60g of butter. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Assemble: Plonk the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Easy shepherd's pie recipe ? You bet!
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes , or until golden brown.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pie

• Don't overcrowd the beef. Brown it in batches if you have to! Otherwise, it will steam and go grey.
• Want a cheese tastic top? Sprinkle on some grated cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking. Shepherd's pie variations are fun, aren't they?
• make-ahead option: Prepare the filling and potatoes separately a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you're ready.

Honestly, this budget friendly ground beef recipes is such a winner. Whether you call it easy beef mince recipes or something fancier, it's a staple in my kitchen.

I hope it becomes one in yours too! This is such a simple one-pan ground beef meals option. Enjoy this comfort food with ground beef meal!

Recipe Notes for Your Speedy Beef Shepherd's Pie

Right then, let's chat about how to make this easy shepherd's pie recipe even better! I've cooked this dish more times than I can count, and honestly, I've learned a thing or two along the way.

We'll cover serving, storing, and some fun shepherd's pie variations . It's all about making comfort food with ground beef stress free.

Serving Suggestions Get That Pub Vibe!

Presentation matters, right? I love serving this straight from the baking dish. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary. It's dead simple, but looks lush.

You can also portion it out onto plates for a fancier do. For sides, steamed green beans are always a winner.

They cut through the richness of the pie. A good gravy never hurts either! And don't forget a pint of your favourite beer.

Seriously, it's the British way.

Storage Tips make-ahead Like a Pro

This quick ground beef recipes are brilliant for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure you store them in an airtight container.

Freezing: Absolutely! This pie freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

You can also microwave it in a pinch, but it won't be as crispy.

Variations Tweak It 'Til You Make It!

Let's talk adaptations.

• Low-Carb: Swap out the potato topping for mashed cauliflower. Honestly, it's surprisingly delicious! It's a great ground beef dinner ideas for those watching their carbs.
• Seasonal Swap: In autumn, try adding some diced butternut squash to the filling. It adds a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, this budget friendly ground beef recipes gives you around 450 calories per serving. It packs a decent punch of protein (30g).

You also get essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The fiber (5g) keeps you feeling full. Remember, these are estimates, so check your labels for the exact info.

So there you have it! Some extra tidbits to help you nail this quick beef shepherd's pie . Don't be afraid to experiment.

Cooking should be fun! I know you're gonna smash it, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro! These ground beef recipes for beginners are designed to be foolproof.

Happy cooking! Hope you and your family enjoy this one-pan ground beef meals , now you can go ahead and enjoy these weeknight ground beef recipes .