Beef and Spinach Shepherd's Pie

Name: Beef and Spinach Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 lb. Russet potatoes (about 4), peeled and cubed; kosher salt; 1 lb. lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves; 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 tbsp. tomato paste; 1 c. chicken broth; 4 c. baby spinach; 1 c. milk; 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; Green salad, for serving

By Anna Watson CarlPublished: Nov 6, 2015

ANNA WATSON CARL

Yields:

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

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This hearty potato favorite will warm you up on the coldest fall nights.

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Ingredients

2 lb. Russet potatoes (about 4), peeled and cubed
kosher salt
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
Freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
4 cups baby spinach
1 cup milk
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Green salad, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, 12 to 15; drain and return to pan.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, 5 minutes. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook until vegetables are soft, 5 minutes. Spoon out and discard any extra grease in pan and season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth; let simmer until liquid reduces slightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3Preheat broiler to high. Add milk to drained potatoes and bring to a simmer. Using a potato masher or fork, mash potatoes until smooth. Stir in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4Spoon beef and spinach mixture into a medium-sized baking dish and spoon mashed potatoes on top. Use a fork to create texture on top (the potatoes will brown better) and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Step 5Broil until nicely browned on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately with a green salad.