Why Make This Recipe

My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. It combines hearty meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need something satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables, making it a practical meal as well.

How to Make My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef or lamb
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping: While the meat filling is simmering, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Serve this shepherd’s pie warm, right from the oven, for the best experience. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or some pickles for added flavor.

How to Store My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

To store leftovers, let the shepherd’s pie cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer, where it can stay for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.

Tips to Make My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Use leftover roast or cooked meat to save time on the meat filling.
Feel free to customize the vegetables to what you have on hand.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more herbs if you like a stronger flavor.
For extra creaminess, add some cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.

Variation

You can switch up the meat in this recipe. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables or lentils.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
Can I prepare shepherd’s pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking.
How do I know when the shepherd’s pie is done?
It’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Always allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

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Print Recipe

A comforting dish combining hearty meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Meat

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer meat filling to a baking dish and spread evenly.
In a pot, cover diced potatoes with water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain potatoes, return to pot, and add milk and butter. Mash until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Spread mashed potatoes over the meat filling and sprinkle cheese if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Let cool before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a green salad or crusty bread. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, family dinner, beef, potatoes