Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food, then this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is just what you need! Loaded with a savory filling of ground lamb, vegetables, and a medley of spices, all tucked under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is absolutely delicious!
Originating from Britain, shepherd’s pie is a dish that’s well-loved around the globe. It’s a great dish to make at home, offering a complete meal in one dish. Loaded with meat, vegetables, and potatoes, it is a balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. And if you’re looking for more classics, check out my chicken pot pie recipe!
❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Easy to make: This shepherd’s pie recipe is simple to follow, with each step clearly outlined, making it easy even for beginners.
Family favorite: There’s a reason shepherd’s pie has been a beloved family dish for generations. Its comforting, filling, and savory elements make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Delicious: Above all, this shepherd’s pie recipe is absolutely delicious. The combination of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes is a classic blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Crowd pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a large family, this shepherd’s pie recipe is sure to please. It is a hearty, filling dish that can easily serve a large number of people, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
🍊 INGREDIENTS
More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!
For the Filling:
Olive Oil: This will be used to sauté the vegetables and meat, adding a subtle flavor and preventing sticking.
Butter: Butter will be used in both the filling and the mashed potatoes, giving the dish a rich, creamy texture and enhancing the flavors of other ingredients.
Onion: Chopped onion adds a savory depth to the filling, and a slight sweetness when sautéed.
Celery and Carrot: These finely chopped vegetables add a bit of crunch and freshness to the filling, balancing out the richness of the meat.
Ground Lamb: The star of the filling, ground lamb adds a hearty and unique flavor. You can also use ground beef as a substitute.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste thickens the filling and adds a tangy sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
Potatoes: These will be boiled and mashed for the topping. Any type of potato will work.
Milk: Added to the mashed potatoes, milk makes them creamy and rich.
Butter: Added to the mashed potatoes while they’re still hot, butter makes them rich and creamy.
🔪 INSTRUCTIONS
Preparing the Filling
Step 1
Begin with sautéing the onion in a mix of butter and olive oil in a pan. Keep cooking until it turns light brown.
Step 2
Add the celery to the pan and cook for two minutes. Then add the carrot and let it cook for another three minutes.
Step 3
Time for the mushrooms. Add them to the pan and cook on medium-high heat for five minutes. Stir continuously to prevent the vegetables from burning.
Step 4
Introduce the lamb or beef to the pan. Stir until the meat loses its pink color, then add the seasoning and let it cook for five more minutes.
Step 5
Add the tomato paste and cook for two minutes. Pour in some water and let it cook until the meat is fully cooked. Finally, add the green peas and stir for two minutes.
Making the Mashed Potato
Step 6
Place the potatoes in a deep pot, cover them with water, and let them boil for about twenty minutes.
Step 7
After draining the water, add salt, black pepper, and butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth. To get the perfect texture, gradually add milk until the mash is thick but spreadable.
Step 8
In a ten-inch baking pan, add the cooked meat. Spread the mashed potatoes on top evenly. You can create long lines with a fork or leave it as is.
Step 9
Turn the oven to broiling and broil your shepherd’s pie until the mashed potato turns golden brown.
Step 10
It’s best served hot with green vegetables on the side. Enjoy your homemade shepherd’s pie!
👩🏽🍳 PRO TIPS
Choose the right meat: While ground lamb is traditional in a shepherd’s pie, you can use beef if you prefer. Regardless of the type, make sure it is freshly ground for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t rush the vegetables: Sauté your onion, celery, carrot, and mushrooms properly. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in your shepherd’s pie. The process takes time, but it is worth it.
Season generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings. Salt, pepper, onion powder, and cumin bring out the flavors of the meat and vegetables, making your shepherd’s pie wonderfully savory.
Broil, don’t bake: Broiling the shepherd’s pie gives the mashed potato topping a beautifully crispy crust. Keep an eye on it, though – you want it golden brown, not burnt.
📋 VARIATIONS
Make it Cheesy: For a delicious twist, add a layer of grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before broiling. The result is a golden, bubbly, and cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
Try it with Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner meat option, ground turkey is an excellent choice. It is lower in fat than lamb or beef but still packs in plenty of flavors. It’s also great during the holiday season!
Add Some Spice: Give your shepherd’s pie a kick by adding some heat. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the filling for an exciting twist.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can take your shepherd’s pie to the next level.
🍽️ HOW TO SERVE
- Give your meal a fresh twist by serving the shepherd’s pie with a crisp green salad. The light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the pie, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Looking for a warm, comforting side? Try serving your shepherd’s pie with a side of garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavors enhance the savory notes in the pie.
- Turn your shepherd’s pie into a feast by serving it with a platter of char-grilled vegetables. The smoky flavors of the veggies add an extra layer of deliciousness to the meal.
💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! You can use either ground lamb or beef, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Any type of potato can be used for the mashed potato topping. The key is to not over-boil them to a point where they turn into soupy mashed potatoes. The potatoes should be cooked until a knife can be inserted with minor resistance.
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance. Just assemble and broil the shepherd’s pie when you’re ready to serve it, ensuring the mashed potato topping gets golden brown.
The mashed potato may turn runny if the potatoes are overcooked or too much milk is added. It’s best to add the milk gradually until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency.
🌡️ STORING
Refrigerate: After enjoying your shepherd’s pie, any leftovers should be cooled down before being stored in the fridge. Place the leftover pie in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.
Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your shepherd’s pie again, reheat it in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature. You can cover it with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out and bake until it’s heated through.
Freeze: Shepherd’s pie can also be frozen for longer storage. Before freezing, make sure that the pie has completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months.
Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen shepherd’s pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it is fully thawed, you can reheat it following the previous instructions.
📣 MORE COMFORT FOOD RECIPES
⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients
MAKING THE FILLING
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 stick celery finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 11 button mushrooms sliced
- 1 lb ground lamb you can use beef
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup green peas
FOR THE MASHED POTATO
- 5 medium potatoes skinned and cut in quarters
- Enough water to boil the potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
MAKING THE FILLING:
- In a pan, add butter and olive oil. When hot, add the onion and sauté until light brown.
- Add the celery and cook for 2 minutes. Add the carrot and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes on medium high stirring continuously to prevent burning the vegetables.
- Add the lamb or beef and stir until the meat is no longer pink, add the seasoning and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for two minutes. Add the water, cook until the beef is completely cooked. Add the green peas and stir for two minutes.
MAKING THE MASHED POTATO
- In a deep pot, add the potatoes and enough water to cover the potatoes. Boil for 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes, add the salt, black pepper, and butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth. The mashed potato should not be runny, therefore, now, add the milk gradually until you reach a thick but spreadable texture.
- In a 10-inch baking pan add the beef. Spread the mashed potatoes on top evenly. Using a fork make long lines or leave it as is, it’s up to you.
- Turn the oven to broiling. Broil the shepherd’s pie until the mashed potato is golden brown.
- Serve hot with green vegetables on the side.
Notes
- You can use any potato for this recipe, but starchy potatoes are what I mostly use for it.
- Instead of whole regular milk, you can use chicken or meat stock to add more flavor to the potatoes.
- Instead of butter, you can use the same amount of heavy cream to make the mashed potatoes.
- The meat sauce will have the same consistency and won’t reduce after placing the dish in the oven. Hence, cook the meat sauce to the consistency you prefer.
- You can mix cheese with the mashed potatoes or sprinkle some on top if you want to add cheese to this dish.
Delicious and easy to follow recipe!
Thank you Bushra 😊