Why Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Made with a savory meat filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. This dish is not only hearty but also flexible, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
How to Make My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping: While the meat filling is simmering, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Serve Shepherd’s Pie hot from the oven, and feel free to add a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs well with a simple green vegetable for extra color and nutrition.
How to Store My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
If you have any leftovers, Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
- Use a mix of meats for a richer flavor, like combining beef and lamb.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
- For a creamier topping, add sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or mushrooms, along with vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Shepherd’s Pie before or after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
2. How long does Shepherd’s Pie take to cook?
The total cooking time for Shepherd’s Pie is about 40-50 minutes, including preparation and baking.
3. What kind of meat can I use for Shepherd’s Pie?
Traditionally, ground lamb is used, but ground beef is a popular substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) For topping
Instructions
Preparation of Meat Filling
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Preparation of Mashed Potato Topping
- While the meat filling is simmering, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.