Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Warm, hearty, and comforting, Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. This traditional recipe features layers of savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Shepherd’s Pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables, and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
7. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the frozen peas, then season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling, spreading them out into an even layer.
11. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
12. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top.
13. Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
14. Serve the Shepherd’s Pie warm, and enjoy the delicious comfort of this classic dish!

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as corn or green beans.
• For a vegetarian version, you can use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground meat.
• Shepherd’s Pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Conclusion:

Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its layers of savory meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night, Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy.