Easy cast iron skillet Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef

I’ll never forget one of the very first times I ever had “Shepherds Pie” was on the flight back from Italy to the states. And if you’ve ever experienced “airplane food” – well, then you know it’s probably not really food at all. Honestly, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world (so that means I’ve clearly had worse), but I knew with every bite that I probably should have packed a bunch of Biscotti to hold me over this 16-hour flight instead. I think I just sat there and prayed that my stomach would grace me by withstanding whatever “meat-like” substance was inside that plastic tray.

Hence the inspiration for this one.

I had to erase that memory for good, knowing that this is what an authentic recipe of Shepherds Pie should be. And this one is just too easy. Simply foolproof, and kid-friendly (as long as you leave out the Malbec I used in this recipe). So if you’re not a fan of meat and potatoes, then well – this one isn’t going to work for you.

Best of all – it’s Keto – Hey-yo!

Easy cast iron skillet Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef

Simply foolproof cast iron skillet Shepherds Pie

theMRSingLink

The easiest, foolproof cast iron skillet Shepherds Pie in the books. If you're a meat and potatoes fan, then this one's for you! A rich and hearty meal that is perfect for the whole family, and to indulge on a cold, winter night.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Beef, dinner, Main Course, Meat

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• 1 Cast Iron Skillet 12 inch round

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb)
• 2 cups sweet peas
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 small white onion (diced)
• 1 cup vegetable or beef broth (or bone broth)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 sprig rosemary and thyme (or 1 tsp dried of each)
• 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 5-6 medium yellow potatoes (or 7-8 small red potatoes)
• 1/2 cup Malbec (or cooking wine) *optional*

Instructions

 

• First determine your size cast iron skillet, or casserole dish. This recipe suits a roughly 12 inch cast iron skillet, so any larger or smaller will require adjustment to the number of listed ingredients.
• You'll want to take care of your potatoes first. Wash and peel them, then simmer in boiling water until softened (fork-tender) – this may take up to 30-45 minutes depending on their size.
• In the meantime, mince your fresh herbs and garlic, and peel and chop your carrots and onions, then set aside.
• Drain and allow potatoes to cool before mashing or running through a potato ricer. With mashed potatoes in a bowl, add the 3/4 cup of heavy cream or milk as well as salt and pepper to taste. Then set aside.
• Now preheat the oven to 425F.
• In your cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb. Also add in your chopped onion and diced carrots.
• (Optional) When cooked nearly 75%, add in the 1/2 Malbec. This adds an amazing aroma and flavor to the meat, but the alcohol does get cooked out.
• Then add in your minced Rosemary, Thyme and garlic, turning down the heat to medium/low. Add the 1 cup of broth and simmer until your carrots are fork tender.
• When carrots are tender (if not already previously boiled), turn off the head and add in your sweet peas to the mixture.
• Using a spatula, evenly distribute the mixture across the skillet. Then spread your mashed potatoes evenly over top before placing in the oven.
• Now you have two choices: cook for 30-40 minutes at 425F, or cook for 25 minutes at 425F then broil the skillet for up to 10 minutes. Broiling will create that charred texture on the potatoes. 
• Serve and enjoy.

Keyword Beef, Beginners, Cast Iron Skillet, Dinner, Easy, Lamb, Shepherds Pie

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