Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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This recipe creates a comforting and hearty Classic Shepherd’s Pie, featuring a flavorful ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s a traditional dish perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped  
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced  
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced  
  • 1.5 pounds ground lamb (or beef)  
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth (or lamb broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary  
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)  
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 2.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk (or cream)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the beef broth (or lamb broth), stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking.
  5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the filling is simmering, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  6. Mash the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes with milk (or cream) and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar sized casserole dish).
  8. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the potatoes.
  9. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Tips and Notes:

  • Meat Choice: Ground lamb is traditional for Shepherd’s Pie, but ground beef can also be used.  
  • Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like diced mushrooms, green beans, or corn to the filling.  
  • Mashed Potato Variations: You can add other ingredients like roasted garlic, chives, or sour cream to the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble the Shepherd’s Pie just before baking.
  • Freezing: Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen before or after baking. Thaw completely before reheating.

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