Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe

1. Boil the potatoes:

Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 20 minutes).

2. Sauté vegetables:

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan. Add the chopped onions and cook until tender, about 6 to 10 minutes. Carrots should be cooked with the onions because they take as long to cook as the onions do. If you are including peas or corn, add them toward the end of the cooking of the onions.

3. Add the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and broth:

Cook until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring the broth to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

4. Mash the cooked potatoes:

When the potatoes are done cooking, place them in a bowl with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Mash and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Layer the meat mixture and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the ground beef.

6. Bake in the oven:

Place in a 400°F oven and cook until browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes.