Easy Shepherd’s Pie: How To Make a Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to the table. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The combination of savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes creates a satisfying meal that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, making it both economical and delicious.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, peas, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie

Serve Shepherd’s Pie hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley on top for a vibrant touch.

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze Shepherd’s Pie for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it well before freezing.

Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie

• For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water when making your mashed potatoes.
• You can add more vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrition.
• Make sure your mashed potatoes are smooth to create a nice topping.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie by using lentils or a mix of mushrooms and vegetables instead of meat. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based butter in your mashed potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a mix of different meats according to your preference.

Can I prepare Shepherd’s Pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat filling and the mashed potatoes ahead of time, then assemble just before baking.

What can I use instead of mashed potatoes?
You can try using sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash as an alternative. They offer a different flavor and texture.

Shepherd’s Pie

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A comforting and hearty dish perfect for family gatherings, combining savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, peas, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water when making your mashed potatoes. You can add more vegetables for added nutrition. Make sure your mashed potatoes are smooth for a nice topping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, comfort food, family recipe, hearty meal, leftover ingredients