Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort food dish made with savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, perfect for any occasion.
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.
Notes
Serve hot from the oven, great with a side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Consider adding a mix of meats or additional vegetables for varied flavors.