Wine-Braised Beef Shepherd’s Pie

 A wine-braised beef shepherd’s pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that takes a twist on the classic shepherd's pie by incorporating rich wine-braised beef for the filling. Here's a simple recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast), cut into small cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (for the filling)

1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)

1 cup beef broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup peas (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes Topping:

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced

4 tbsp butter

1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for creamier potatoes)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Filling:

1. Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the onions and carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Deglaze with Wine:

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Broth and Seasoning:

Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Return the beef to the pot, and bring to a simmer.

5. Braise the Beef:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beef braise for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir in peas and parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

1. Cook the Potatoes:

Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

2. Mash the Potatoes:

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Layer the Filling:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the braised beef filling into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.

2. Top with Mashed Potatoes:

Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef filling, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or fork to smooth or create a decorative pattern on top.

3. Bake:

Place the shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

4. Serve:

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your rich and comforting wine

-braised beef shepherd’s pie!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine and is perfect for a cozy meal.