Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Shepherd’s Pie. This dish features a savory ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (for a traditional shepherd’s pie, use lamb)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
- Make the meat filling:
- In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture if using and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add peas and corn (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary (if using).
- Assemble the pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out to cover the entire surface. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the mashed potatoes if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tip:
For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat filling along with the broth. You can also use a combination of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes for a twist.
Enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie—a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!