Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a savory ground meat filling topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. It’s a classic family meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.  

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil  
  • 1 large onion, chopped  
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced  
  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or a mix)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced  
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme  
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary  
  • 1/2 cup beef broth  
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk/cream and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 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 fat.  
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Simmer the Filling: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the meat filling to a 9-inch baking dish.
  7. Add Mashed Potato Topping: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling, creating a smooth layer. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the potatoes for a decorative touch.
  8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.  
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Notes:

  • Lamb vs. Beef: Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. You can use either, or a mix of both.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, corn, or green beans, to the filling.
  • Spice it Up: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble the pie just before baking.
  • Freezing: Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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