Why Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that’s loved by many. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This dish combines delicious seasoned meat with colorful vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to use up leftover meat or veggies. Plus, it can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 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 onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula.
- If using, sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie
Serve Shepherd’s Pie straight from the oven. It’s great on its own or with a simple side salad for freshness. You can also offer some crusty bread to scoop up the delicious filling.
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie
If you have leftovers, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it by covering the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie
- Use a mix of ground meats for added flavor, such as lamb or pork.
- Add additional vegetables like corn or green beans for more texture and taste.
- For a crispy topping, broil the pie for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
FAQs
1. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and mash potatoes in advance. Assemble the pie and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes save time and work just as well for this recipe.
3. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
For the meat mixture
- 1 lb ground beef You can mix different ground meats for added flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, diced Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup peas Frozen peas work well.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste For depth of flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Use gluten-free sauce if necessary.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- tablespoons Olive oil for cooking For sautéing the vegetables.
For the topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes You can use instant mashed potatoes as a time-saver.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) For a cheesy topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Cooking
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula.
- If using, sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.