Description
Shepherd’s pie is a timeless comfort food that fits every season. Combining layers of savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this versatile dish can be customized with seasonal ingredients or creative variations. Whether enjoyed as a classic recipe or a modern twist, shepherd’s pie is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel and chop potatoes into even pieces.
- Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, and seasoning until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Meat Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground meat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.
- Add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme (if using), and the cooked meat. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute sweet potatoes for the topping for an autumnal twist.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils and mushrooms.
- Use mashed cauliflower as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 400 (approx.)
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg