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Dark & Earthy Shepherd’s Pie

This version of shepherd’s pie features a hearty meat or lentil filling cooked with caramelized onions, mushrooms, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The dish bakes until golden and bubbling, offering a cozy, rustic texture with a slightly smoky, earthy flavor perfect for fall or Halloween dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup milk warm
  • 1 pound ground beef or lentils cooked and drained if using lentils
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms shiitake or cremini, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing
  • 1/2 cup cheddar or parmesan cheese optional, grated

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Masher or fork
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef or lentils to the skillet, cook until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Break apart the meat as it cooks for even browning.
  4. Stir in sliced mushrooms, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the mixture is fragrant.
  5. Drain the cooked potatoes, then mash them with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spread the seasoned meat or lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish, then top with the creamy mashed potatoes, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  7. If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the mashed potato layer for a golden, crispy crust.
  8. Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes to settle, then serve hot, enjoying the rich, earthy flavors with a crispy topping.

Notes

For an extra spooky touch, add a few sautéed mushroom pieces on top before baking to resemble dark eyes or shadows. Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes for a sweeter, colorful topping.