Caramelized Onion Shepherd’s Pie with Parmesan Crust

Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes. In this version, we take it to the next level by folding in sweet caramelized onions and baking with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese until golden and bubbly.

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is hearty, satisfying and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it straight from the oven for a warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 large onions, thinly slicedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tbsp butterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tbsp olive oilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 cloves garlic, mincedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tbsp tomato pasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup beef brothView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tsp dried thymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt and pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/2 cup milkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/4 cup butterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Simmer the filling: Pour in the beef broth and add dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Make the mashed potatoes: While the filling simmers, place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk and 1/4 cup butter and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the pie: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef filling in the baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the shepherd’s pie for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey is milder in flavor.

Can I make this shepherd's pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pie completely but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

How do I get a crispy top on the mashed potatoes?

Using a fork to create peaks and valleys on the surface of the potatoes before baking helps create crispy edges. The Parmesan cheese also adds a golden crust.