Preheat your oven to 300°F. This step ensures that your Shepherds Pie with Beef bakes evenly. The low temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a perfect harmony of taste.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion with 1/4 cup bouillon until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Watch for the beef to change color; it should be a rich brown without any pink. The onions will become translucent and fragrant, adding depth to the dish.
Drain the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust the flavors. Taste a little to ensure it’s seasoned just right, enhancing the meat and onion blend.
Transfer the meat and onion mixture to an 8×11-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly. This will be the base layer of your pie, so make sure it’s well-distributed for thorough cooking.
Cover with a layer of canned English peas and thinly sliced carrots. These vegetables provide color and a delicious contrast to the savory meat. Make sure they are spread evenly for a balanced bite.
Prepare 2 cups of medium-thick gravy using the bouillon to flavor. Pour the hot gravy over the meat and vegetables, creating a rich sauce that binds everything together. Look for a smooth consistency; it should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Combine the leftover mashed potatoes with the milk and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You want the potatoes creamy and flavorful, so taste them to ensure they’re delicious!
Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing them out to create an even layer. Dot the top with butter. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld while the top becomes beautifully golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
