Shepherd’s pie

Here’s a recipe for a classic Shepherd’s Pie, a comforting and hearty dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (traditional for Shepherd’s Pie) or ground beef (for Cottage Pie)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or lamb broth if using lamb)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat Filling:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground lamb or beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize it.
• Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
• Add the peas, carrots, and corn (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a baking dish (around 9×9 inches or similar), spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom.
• Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to make a decorative pattern on top of the potatoes (optional).
• If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.

4. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. You can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes if you want the top to be extra crispy.

5. Serve:

• Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and serve hot.

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Tips:

• Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips.
• Make Ahead: Shepherd’s Pie can be made ahead of time. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if you’re baking from cold.
• Ground Meat Variations: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken, though it’s less traditional.
• Leftovers: Shepherd’s Pie tastes great the next day, and the flavors only get better as they sit.

This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—creamy mashed potatoes on top of a savory meat and vegetable filling. Perfect for dinner on a chilly night!