why make this recipe
Shepherd’s pie is warm, filling, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. It makes good leftovers too. For a sweet treat after dinner, try Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie.
introduction
This Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish. It has a savory meat and vegetable base topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The flavors are simple and crowd-pleasing. You can change a few ingredients to match what you have in your kitchen.
how to make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil. Cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add 1 pound ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned. Drain any extra fat.
- Stir in the diced carrots, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup beef broth. Let it simmer about 10 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Spread 4 cups mashed potatoes on top like a cozy blanket.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving.
If you want a different mid-meal dish, you can look at Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for an idea you can pair with this.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Butter for mashed potatoes
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add your choice of ground beef or lamb, cooking until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat – we want this pie to be delicious, not greasy!
- Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Now, take those creamy mashed potatoes and layer them on top, spreading them out like a cozy blanket.
- Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown delight.
- Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool before you dive in.
how to serve Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Serve hot from the oven. Cut into squares and scoop onto plates. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A crusty bread works well too.
how to store Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Cool the pie to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
tips to make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
- Use well-seasoned mashed potatoes for a rich top.
- Cook the meat well and drain extra fat.
- If the filling is thin, simmer a bit longer to thicken it.
- You can add a splash more beef broth if it gets too dry while baking.
- For a twist or dessert after, check Crumb Pecan Pie Cookies.
variation (if any)
- Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie, or beef for a cottage pie.
- Add mushrooms or corn for extra flavor.
- Mix cheddar into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy top.
- Make individual servings in ramekins for a nice presentation.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Swap the meat for cooked lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Leftover mashed potatoes work great and save time.
Q: How do I know when the filling is done?
A: The filling is ready when it thickens and simmers for about 10 minutes. It should not be watery.
Q: Can I freeze the whole pie?
A: Yes. Cool it first, then wrap tight and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
If you want another classic take on shepherd’s pie, see The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie – The Wholesome Dish for more tips and a close recipe.
Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add your choice of ground beef or lamb, cooking until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until it thickens up. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes on top.
- Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.