why make this recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is warm, filling, and easy. It uses simple ingredients you likely have. It tastes like home and feeds a family. You can make it ahead and reheat.
introduction
This Shepherd’s Pie uses ground beef or lamb and a cheesy mashed potato topping. You cook the meat and vegetables, add a few seasonings, then bake with mashed potatoes on top. The result is a golden, savory dish that is comforting and simple.
how to make Shepherd’s Pie
Cook the vegetables and meat in a skillet. Add tomato paste, broth, peas, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Put the meat mix in a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top. Bake until the top is golden. Let it rest a few minutes, then serve.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (made with parmesan cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, peas, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Shepherd’s Pie
Cut into squares and serve warm. A green salad or steamed green beans go well. Serve with a spoon to get both potato and meat in each bite.
how to store Shepherd’s Pie
Cool the pie to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20 minutes. For freezing, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Shepherd’s Pie
- Brown the meat well for more flavor.
- Drain fat so the filling is not oily.
- Make mashed potatoes creamy with butter and a little milk.
- Use a fork to roughen the potato top for a crisp crust.
- Let the pie rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.
variation (if any)
- Use lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie or beef for a cottage pie.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Make vegetarian: use lentils or chopped mushrooms instead of meat.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Thaw and warm them before spreading on the filling.
Q: Do I need to boil the carrots first?
A: No. Dice them small and sauté with the onion until soft.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover, then refrigerate. Bake when ready and add extra time if chilled.
Q: Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?
A: You can, but it adds savory depth. A splash of soy sauce can help as a substitute.
Q: How do I get a crispy top?
A: Brush a little melted butter on the potatoes or use a broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely.
Conclusion
For another clear, classic version and extra tips, see The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie – The Wholesome Dish.
Print
Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef or lamb, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (made with parmesan cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, peas, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for better slicing. Consider adding mushrooms or herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Comfort Food, Family Meal, Ground Beef, Mashed Potatoes