Description
This comforting Shepherd’s Pie features a hearty filling of ground beef or lamb, mixed with vegetables and herbs, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that brings warmth to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots start to soften.
- Next, add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
- If youre making mashed potatoes from scratch, peel and chop about 4-5 medium-sized potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of milk (or cream for a richer taste), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- If youre using store-bought mashed potatoes, simply heat them according to the package instructions and season to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread the meat filling evenly across the bottom.
- Using a spatula or a spoon, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling.
- If you like, you can create a decorative pattern on the mashed potatoes using a fork.
- If youre using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes