Ben's Galley Shepherd's Pie: One-Dish Crew Comfort

When you need a hearty, satisfying dinner that feeds a crowd with minimal cleanup, shepherd's pie delivers. Ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes all baked together - it's comfort food that sticks to your ribs after a long day.

This recipe is perfect for galley conditions - everything cooks in one dish, uses shelf-stable ingredients, and can be prepped ahead. No hot oil splatter, no multiple pans, just reliable comfort food.

The galley advantage: One-dish cooking, make-ahead friendly, and uses ingredients you'd have on hand.

Shepherd's Pie (Serves 12-15)

Meat Layer:

• 3 lbs ground beef (or ground lamb for traditional)

• 2 large onions, diced

• 4 carrots, diced

• 2 cups frozen peas

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Potato Topping:

• 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup milk or cream

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

2. Make mashed potatoes: Mash potatoes with butter, milk, beaten eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook meat mixture: In large skillet, brown ground beef. Add onions and carrots, cook until softened.

4. Add seasonings: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Thicken: Mix cornstarch with beef broth, add to pan with frozen peas. Simmer until thickened.

6. Assemble: Spread meat mixture in large baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.

7. Bake: 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

8. Rest: Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tips

• Drain beef well - prevents soggy bottom layer

• Cool slightly before topping - prevents potatoes from melting into meat

• Use fork to create texture - ridges on potato topping brown beautifully

• Make ahead friendly - assemble completely, refrigerate, bake when ready

• Add extra time if cold - refrigerated casserole needs 40-45 minutes

• Check internal temperature - should be hot throughout (165°F)

Galley-Smart Variations

Ingredient Swaps:

• Use ground turkey instead of beef

• Add corn instead of peas

• Use vegetable broth for lighter version

Make-Ahead Strategy:

• Prepare completely the night before

• Cover and refrigerate

• Bake straight from fridge (add 15 minutes cooking time)