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.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes, then add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cook the meat filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, if using.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie a day in advance. After assembling, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You can also freeze the assembled pie before baking; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What are some ingredient substitutions I can make in this Shepherd’s Pie recipe?
You can substitute the ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor, using the same amount (1 lb/450g). If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For the vegetables, feel free to add corn, green beans, or other vegetables like diced celery or mushrooms, adjusting the total amount to about 1 cup. If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can omit it or use a different cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan.
How do I know when the Shepherd’s Pie is perfectly cooked?
The Shepherd’s Pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The mashed potato topping should be lightly browned and set. You can also insert a fork or knife into the center of the filling; it should be hot and the meat should be cooked through. Internal temperature of the meat filling should reach 160°F (71°C).
Can I double or scale up this Shepherd’s Pie recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) rectangular pan, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, depending on your oven. Be sure to use a larger skillet to cook the meat filling and consider using two pots to boil the potatoes to handle the increased volume.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Shepherd’s Pie?
This Shepherd’s Pie provides a good source of protein from the ground meat, essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from carrots and peas, and vitamin C from the onions and garlic. The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and the milk and cheese add calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting, hearty meal with layers of savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups mashed potatoes prepared
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
