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Shepherd's Pie with Slow Cooked Beef & Gruyere Potatoes

This shepherd's pie uses beef slow cooked in wine, broth and tomatoes to deepen the flavor of the pie. The yukon golds mash up into the most delicious topping, especially with the gruyere to give it an extra layer of flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 9 hrs
Total Time 9 hrs 20 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Irish
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

Slow Cooked Beef

  • 2 lb chuck roast cubed
  • 1 tsp Trader Joe's umami seasoning or salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup dry red wine

Shepherd's Pie Filling

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 c onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 c peas
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
  • salt & pepper to taste

Potato Topping

  • 5 large yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 c shredded gruyere cheese
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Slow Cooked Beef

  • Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. 
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef falls apart. 

Shepherd's Pie Filling

  • Melt the butter.
  • Add chopped vegetables and sautee until soft. 
  • Salt & pepper to taste.
  • Set aside. 

Potato Topping

  • Bring salted pot of water and potatoes to a boil. 
  • Boil until pierced easily with a fork; drain water. Peel if desired or jump right to the next step (I like the skins on).
  • Place the potatoes back in the pot and melt in butter and cheese. 
  • Add cream and continue to mash; salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly

  • Preheat the oven to 400. 
  • Combine beef mixture and vegetable mixture; stir until well combined. Taste for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly. 
  • Pour mixture into crocks or baking dish, leaving enough room for the mashed potatoes - see notes. 
  • Top with mashed potatoes; place on a baking sheet to catch any dripping.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until topping is crispy. 
  • Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness. 

Notes

So, this filling will bubble and it will push out of the sides of the mashed potatoes. Place your crocks on a baking sheet to catch any drip, and leave some room in your baking crocks or dish so that it can bubble up and not overflow - but it might, so that's why you'll place your baking dish or crocks on a baking sheet.