Why Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any family meal. It combines a rich meat filling with creamy mashed potatoes, making it satisfying and delicious. This dish is not only hearty but also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Plus, it warms you up on chilly days, making it a go-to for comfort food lovers.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
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 the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste. Set aside.
-
Cook the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the diced carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3–4 minutes. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir well and let simmer until the liquid reduces slightly, creating a thick, flavorful filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing them with a spatula. For extra flair, create swirls or peaks in the potatoes using the back of a spoon. (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.
-
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie
Serve Shepherd’s Pie hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for dipping. You can also enjoy it with a glass of red wine for a complete dining experience.
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie
To store leftovers, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie
- Use fresh herbs if you have them; they can enhance the flavor significantly.
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb or beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Top with breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a crunchy topping.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Just add the same veggies and seasonings for a delicious plant-based option.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious twist. They add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
2. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients like broth and sauces, Shepherd’s Pie can be made gluten-free.
3. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just increase the baking time slightly as it will be cold.
Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting dish featuring a rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for any family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free broth)
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 and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the diced carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir well and let simmer until the liquid reduces slightly, creating a thick, flavorful filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing them with a spatula. For extra flair, create swirls or peaks in the potatoes using the back of a spoon. (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot, paired with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, comfort food, family meal, meat pie