Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish made with a savory ground meat filling, typically lamb (though beef is often used), topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a delicious recipe to make Shepherd’s Pie at home:
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or ground 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 broth (or lamb broth if available)
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (more if needed for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) for extra creaminess in mashed potatoes
Instructions:
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Make the mashed potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add the butter and milk to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. For extra creaminess, you can add shredded cheese to the potatoes while mashing. Set aside.
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Prepare the filling:
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
- Remove any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are soft and the carrots start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, and then sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and the carrots are fully tender.
- Add the frozen peas, and season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
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Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture into an even layer in a large baking dish (9×9 or 9×13 works well).
- Carefully spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, smoothing them out with a spatula. You can use the back of a spoon or fork to create a decorative pattern on top if you like.
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Bake:
- Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You can also broil the top for a few minutes for a crispier finish.
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Serve:
- Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.
Enjoy:
This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and hearty with creamy mashed potatoes and a delicious, flavorful filling. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and leftovers are even better the next day!