Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish made with layers of savory meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect meal for chilly evenings and is sure to be a family favorite. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and classic Shepherd’s Pie from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
4. Add peas and corn: Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Layer the filling: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish.
3. Add mashed potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out evenly. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the top if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
2. Cool slightly: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve: Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie

• Meat options: Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. Choose your preferred meat based on taste.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy topping: For a richer flavor, mix grated cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle some on top before baking.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Conclusion

This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy making and eating this timeless dish!