Get ready to transform your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This Cast Iron Skillet Shepherd's Pie is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rustic charm of British cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan wonder. Imagine a golden, crispy potato topping hiding a rich, savory meat filling that's bursting with flavor, all cooked and served in a classic cast iron skillet that goes straight from stovetop to oven to table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop a rich flavor, coating the meat and vegetables.
- Pour in beef broth and frozen peas. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and create a thick, savory sauce.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the cast iron skillet, creating a smooth, complete top layer.
- Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato surface, which will crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve hot directly from the cast iron skillet, portioning out generous servings with a large spoon.
Tips
- To elevate your Shepherd's Pie from good to absolutely phenomenal, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Choose the right meat: While traditional recipes use lamb, ground beef works wonderfully. For an extra flavor boost, consider using a mix of both.
- Don't skip the browning: Take time to properly brown your meat to develop deep, complex flavors that will make your Shepherd's Pie truly memorable.
- Potato perfection: For the ultimate mashed potato topping, use starchy potatoes like Russets, and season them generously with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Create texture: Use a fork to create decorative ridges on your potato topping. These will crisp up beautifully and add a delightful visual appeal.
- Let it rest: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
- Cast iron is key: A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and can go directly from stovetop to oven, creating a perfect one-pan meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 167kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
