Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. It’s a great way to use ground meat and vegetables while being both hearty and filling. Shepherd’s Pie offers a delightful blend of flavors, with savory meat and soft, creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to make something special without a lot of fuss.
How to Make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Mashed potatoes (about 4 cups)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and peas. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with a layer of mashed potatoes, spreading them out smoothly.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Serve your Shepherd’s Pie hot from the oven. It goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, like parsley, for extra color and flavor.
How to Store Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Store the Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the pie for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
- For creamier mashed potatoes, add a bit of butter and milk or cream.
- You can use leftover roast meat instead of ground meat for added flavor.
- For a bit of a kick, add some hot sauce or fresh herbs to the filling.
Variation
You can customize Shepherd’s Pie by adding different vegetables like corn or green beans. Some people also like to use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of Shepherd’s Pie.
2. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, then combine and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure that the broth and any added ingredients, like sauces, are gluten-free.
Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes about, for topping
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and peas. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with a layer of mashed potatoes, spreading them out smoothly.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.