Here’s a hearty and comforting recipe for Shepherd’s Pie, a classic dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, but ground beef can also be used to make a Cottage Pie.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Stir in the butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the filling:
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced carrots and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them out to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula to smooth the top, or create a decorative pattern with the back of a spoon.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra salt, pepper, or even grated cheese on top for added flavor.
4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. If you want extra color, you can broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
5. Serve:
- Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of green vegetables or a simple salad!
Tips:
- You can make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the pie.
- Add other vegetables like corn or parsnips to the filling for variation.
- For a creamier topping, you can mix some cheese (like cheddar) into the mashed potatoes before spreading them on top.
This Shepherd’s Pie is a filling, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!