This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless comfort food that brings together savory ground meat, flavorful vegetables, and velvety mashed potatoes in one delicious dish. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner on a chilly evening or a family-favorite recipe, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the mashed potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash the potatoes, then add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Cook the meat filling

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Pour in the beef broth and add the peas, carrots, and thyme. Stir well and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the pie

7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Transfer the meat filling to a greased 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, if using.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

• Meat options: Traditionally, lamb is used in shepherd’s pie, but ground beef works just as well for a flavorful variation.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add corn, green beans, or other vegetables of your choice.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the pie a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Conclusion

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to prepare and always satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to be a hit! Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors of this hearty classic.