introduction
Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, simple dish of cooked meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. It is hearty and fills the kitchen with a homey smell. This recipe is easy and good for family dinners.
why make this recipe
- It uses common, low-cost ingredients.
- It feeds a family and makes good leftovers.
- You can make it ahead and bake later.
- Kids and adults usually like it.
how to make Shepherd’s Pie
Follow the steps below. You will brown the meat, cook the vegetables, make creamy mashed potatoes, and bake until the top is golden.
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions :
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir and simmer until liquid reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon mashed potatoes over meat layer, smoothing with a spatula. Create swirls or peaks with a spoon. Sprinkle cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place baking dish in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until topping is golden and slightly crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
how to serve Shepherd’s Pie
Serve hot, straight from the oven. A simple green salad or steamed green beans work well on the side. Let it rest a few minutes so it holds its shape on the plate.
how to store Shepherd’s Pie
- In the fridge: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and store for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave.
tips to make Shepherd’s Pie
- Use ground lamb for a classic taste, or ground beef if you prefer.
- Drain excess fat from the meat to avoid a runny filling.
- Mash potatoes until smooth for a creamy top. Add more milk or butter for richer mash.
- Make the meat filling a day ahead to save time. Assemble and bake when ready.
- If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and finish baking.
variation (if any)
- Vegetarian: Use cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms instead of meat.
- Cheesy top: Stir extra cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle more on top before baking.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch. Follow package directions and spread over the meat.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: You can leave the skins on for texture, but peeling gives a smoother mash.
Q: Can I make this ahead and freeze before baking?
A: Yes. Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen but add extra time until heated through.
Q: Is Worcestershire sauce required?
A: It adds depth, but you can skip it or use soy sauce as a substitute.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Thicken the meat filling by simmering longer so excess liquid reduces before assembling.
Conclusion
For a classic version and extra tips, see The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie – The Wholesome Dish.
Print
Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm, hearty dish of cooked meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir and simmer until liquid reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon mashed potatoes over meat layer, smoothing with a spatula. Create swirls or peaks with a spoon. Sprinkle cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place baking dish in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until topping is golden and slightly crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use ground lamb for a classic taste or ground beef if preferred. Make the meat filling a day ahead to save time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, comfort food, family dinner