Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
- 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (approx. 1 cup / 100g)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
- 1 cup beef broth (240ml)
- 1 cup frozen peas (120g)
- 1 cup frozen corn (120g)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30ml)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 lbs (1.36kg) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (57g)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100g), divided
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add frozen peas, corn, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the filling simmers, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and mash with milk, butter, and half of the cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the beef filling to the baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.