Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, layering savory meat and vegetables beneath a creamy mashed potato crust. This classic recipe offers rich, hearty flavors perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (choose lamb for traditional flavor)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (diced small)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried herbs
• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup whole milk or cream (use warm)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning a rack in the center.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add chopped onions and diced carrots, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the broth, add thyme, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Fold in frozen peas, then transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish.
7. Step 7: For the topping, peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender.
8. Step 8: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, then mash until smooth.
9. Step 9: Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Optionally, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on top.
10. Step 10: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, mix half lamb and half beef or add a splash of red wine to the filling.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic.
• Add herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra aroma and freshness.
• Top with grated cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Shepherd’s Pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef is a common substitute and creates a similar hearty dish. Lamb offers a more traditional flavor, but beef works well if preferred or more easily available.

Is it necessary to boil the potatoes before mashing?

Boiling ensures the potatoes are tender and mash easily, creating a smooth topping. Baking raw potatoes would take much longer and may result in an uneven texture.

Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

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Classic Shepherd’s Pie combines a hearty ground lamb or beef filling with savory vegetables and a creamy mashed potato topping, baked until golden brown for the ultimate comfort food experience.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (choose lamb for traditional flavor)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (diced small)
• 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas (stirred in at the end)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried herbs

Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup whole milk or cream (use warm)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, add finely chopped onions and diced carrots, then sauté for 5–7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
3. Cook Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently until no pink remains and the meat is fully browned.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
5. Simmer Filling: Pour in the beef or lamb broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Then fold in the frozen peas evenly.
6. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice potatoes, place them in salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm whole milk or cream, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Assemble Pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a baking dish. Dollop the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Optionally, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Notes

• For a more authentic Shepherd’s Pie, always use ground lamb; replace with beef if preferred.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russet potatoes for fluffier mash.
• The sharp cheddar cheese topping is optional but adds a nice crust and extra flavor.
• Let the cooked filling cool slightly before topping with mashed potatoes for easier assembly.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Classic Shepherd’s Pie, Comfort food, Ground lamb recipe, Mashed potato topping, British cuisine, Hearty dinner