Description
This Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a rich and hearty comfort food featuring a savory ground beef or lamb filling with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this timeless dish combines robust flavors with a golden, crispy potato crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb (450g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth or stock (120ml)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (900g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g)
- ½ cup milk (120ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash with unsalted butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the meat: Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned all over, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Flavor the filling: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken. Fold in frozen peas and cook for another minute.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth out with a spatula. Use a fork to create texture patterns on the surface to help crisp during baking.
- Bake to finish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns golden. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes while closely monitoring to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef based on preference or availability.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be made ahead to save time.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or extra butter to the mashed potatoes.
- Use fresh vegetables if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- To make the dish gluten free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten free or substitute with tamari.
