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Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie, or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh peas if you prefer)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
- 1/2 cup milk (you can substitute with heavy cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or more, depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for topping)
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into chunks. Place them into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For extra fluffiness, you can use a hand mixer or potato ricer. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots start to soften.
Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
Next, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and herbs (thyme and rosemary). Add the frozen peas and cook everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Taste the filling and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once the mixture has thickened, remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. For a decorative touch, you can use a fork to make ridges on top of the potatoes—this will help the potatoes crisp up nicely when baking.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie
Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve the pie hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It’s a perfect family meal to pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
- Make-Ahead Option: Shepherd’s Pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great dish to prepare the night before a busy day and just pop into the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you want to prepare Shepherd’s Pie for later, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, bake it straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Add More Veggies: You can customize the meat filling by adding other vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms, to make it even heartier. The more veggies, the better!
- Use Leftovers: Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or cooked meat. Simply combine the leftovers with a few additional ingredients and bake for a quick, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is one of those comforting, all-in-one dishes that make dinner feel special. The layers of creamy mashed potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying, hearty meal that’s perfect for families, potlucks, and cozy weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, filling, and versatile enough to be adjusted to your taste or dietary needs.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing a big batch to feed a crowd, Shepherd’s Pie is guaranteed to be a hit. And with its delicious blend of flavors, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Final Thoughts
Shepherd’s Pie is the epitome of comfort food—layered with creamy mashed potatoes, savory meat, and plenty of cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a family, and can even be made ahead of time for convenience. This dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to any table, making it the ultimate go-to for a delicious family meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love!
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