Shepherd’s Pie: A Hearty and Comforting Classic
Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved comfort food featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. This classic dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Potato masher
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef lamb is traditional, beef is a common variation
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to thicken gravy
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and cubed (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- to taste salt and pepper for potatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or Parmesan, optional for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over filling and spread evenly. Use a fork to create ridges. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are golden and slightly crispy. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Sweet potatoes can be used for the topping. Let the pie rest before serving for best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 15mg
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