Description
Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food! This hearty dish features a savory layer of seasoned ground meat, tender vegetables, and a thick, flavorful sauce, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a classic recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots
- ½ cup frozen corn kernels
Potato Topping
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ⅓ cup half & half
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and chop the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
3. Thicken the Filling
Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Add the tomato paste and beef broth, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Add Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the boiled potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly to cover the filling. Use a fork to create decorative ridges in the potatoes.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Shepherd’s Pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown.
8. Serve
Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the cooked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Customizable: Add shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish/British