Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty dish made with a savory ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally made with lamb, this recipe is a classic version that can also be made with ground beef, making it a cottage pie.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
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- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for a golden crust)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
a. Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
b. Add Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
c. Stir in Flavorings:
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes.
d. Add Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
a. Boil Potatoes:
- While the filling is simmering, place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
b. Mash Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. If using, stir in the grated cheddar cheese.
c. Optional Egg Yolk:
- For a golden crust, stir in the egg yolk once the potatoes have cooled slightly.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
a. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
b. Layer the Filling:
- Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large, deep pie dish.
c. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to create decorative peaks or patterns on top.
4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
a. Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
b. Optional Broil:
- For an extra crispy top, broil the pie for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
a. Cool Slightly:
- Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
b. Garnish:
- Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving.
Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
- Meat: Use ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie or ground beef for Cottage Pie. You can also mix the two for a unique flavor.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or parsnips for variety and added nutrition.
- Mashed Potatoes: Make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth and well-seasoned. For a lighter topping, you can use a mixture of potatoes and cauliflower.
- Texture: For a thicker filling, simmer the meat mixture longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of flour to the filling to thicken it.
- Make-Ahead: Shepherd’s Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Shepherd’s Pie, a classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
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