Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
shepherds Pie Recipe is the quintessential comfort food, a savory dish packed with seasoned ground meat, topped with a fluffy layer of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic shepherd’s pie recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. It combines tender meat, vegetables, and a savory gravy, all enclosed in a golden potato topping that’s baked to perfection. Whether you prefer lamb or beef, this easy shepherds pie recipe will satisfy everyone at the table.
Description
shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a comforting dish known for its hearty flavors and warm, filling qualities. Originally a way to repurpose leftover roasted meat, this dish has evolved into a classic, beloved by families worldwide. In its most traditional form, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, but it can also be prepared with beef for a more accessible version, which is commonly referred to as “cottage pie.” Regardless of the protein used, the dish is beloved for its layers of tender meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
The base of this shepherd’s pie recipe features ground meat (lamb or beef), sautéed with onions, carrots, peas, and a rich, savory gravy. The meat mixture is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, which are piped on top for an elegant presentation, though a simple spread also works beautifully. After a short bake in the oven, the shepherd’s pie is golden, bubbly, and ready to serve.
What makes this shepherd’s pie recipe so special is its versatility. The flavor profile can be adjusted with your choice of herbs and spices, and it can easily be made in advance for busy weeknights. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also add cheese to the mashed potatoes or use a combination of vegetables, such as parsnips or corn, to complement the meat filling.
Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this shepherd’s pie recipe is sure to impress everyone around the table. Plus, it’s a great make ahead dish that freezes well, so you can enjoy it even on your busiest days.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or lamb broth for a more authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with butter and milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes a rich, savory gravy. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them out evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to gently score the surface of the potatoes to create a textured topping, which will help it brown nicely during baking.
- Bake:
- Place the shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the shepherd’s pie for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop into portions and enjoy!
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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or lamb broth for a more authentic flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with butter and milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes a rich, savory gravy. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them out evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to gently score the surface of the potatoes to create a textured topping, which will help it brown nicely during baking.
- Bake:
- Place the shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the shepherd’s pie for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop into portions and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Shepherd’s pie can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Toppings: For added richness, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking, or add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables, such as corn, peas, or parsnips, to suit your tastes.
