why make this recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort on cold days. It is a classic meal that combines ground meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is not only delicious, but it is also simple to make and perfect for using up leftover ingredients. Plus, it is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbohydrates all in one dish.
how to make Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, broth, peas, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
- Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve Shepherd’s Pie
Serve Shepherd’s Pie hot from the oven. It is perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple salad for added freshness. For a cozy meal, serve it with some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side.
how to store Shepherd’s Pie
To store Shepherd’s Pie, let it cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
tips to make Shepherd’s Pie
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture.
- You can use leftover roasted meat if you have it, which will save time.
- Make your mashed potatoes creamy by adding butter and milk to them before spreading them on top.
- Don’t skip creating peaks in the mashed potatoes; they will get nice and crispy during baking.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie by replacing the meat with lentils or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty while catering to different dietary preferences. Adding cheese to the mashed potatoes is another tasty variation that adds a rich flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use beef instead of lamb?
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of lamb. Both options work well for this recipe.
2. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
3. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and ensuring your mashed potatoes do not contain gluten.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef) Use ground lamb or beef based on preference.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes Make mashed potatoes creamy with butter and milk.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, broth, peas, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Assembly and Baking
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
- Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.