The Ultimate Shepherd's Pie Recipe

The Ultimate Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Savor the heartwarming flavors of Shepherd’s Pie, a timeless dish that combines a rich, savory meat filling topped with a golden layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this classic comfort food is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat Filling:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps with a spoon.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary (if using). Mix well.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on top for a crispy finish.
  4. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes if desired.

4. Bake to Perfection:

  1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
  2. Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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