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Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

4.8 from 10 reviews

This Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory ground lamb or beef filling mixed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground lamb or beef for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  5. Simmer Sauce and Peas: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and add the frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meat mixture simmers, prepare creamy mashed potatoes by combining cooked potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Assemble Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Top the mixture with an even layer of mashed potatoes.
  8. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes if using. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Garnish: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Ground lamb is traditional for shepherd’s pie, but ground beef can be used as an alternative.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
  • If you want a richer mashed potato topping, add cream cheese or sour cream to the potatoes.
  • Leftover shepherd’s pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, classic shepherd's pie, ground lamb recipe, comfort food, baked casserole, mashed potato topping, British cuisine