Description
This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring a savory ground lamb or beef filling simmered with vegetables and a rich, creamy mashed potato topping, it’s baked to golden perfection for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Lamb or Beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, diced
- 1 cup Peas, frozen or fresh
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 pounds Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the shepherd’s pie.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, developing a sweet aroma.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and peas to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 7-10 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Simmer Filling: Pour in the vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Boil Potatoes: While the filling simmers, place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a greased baking dish. Top the filling with the mashed potatoes and spread evenly to cover.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using ground lamb as traditional, but ground beef works well too.
- You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aroma.
- Feel free to use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives for a lighter topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If desired, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
