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Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie
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This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a comforting and hearty meal layered with savory ground meat, rich vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect cozy dinner ideal for any night, combining protein, veggies, and carbs in one delicious, family-friendly dish that’s fully customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Filling

  • 1 lb ground meat (lamb, beef, or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs: fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping (if making cheesy version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks, then boil until tender for the mashed potato topping. While the potatoes cook, dice the onion, garlic, and other vegetables to streamline your prep.
  2. Cook the meat filling: In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess fat if desired. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and mixed vegetables. Let everything simmer until thickened and flavorful.
  3. Make the mashed potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with warm butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy topping.
  4. Assemble the pie: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Gently spread the mashed potatoes on top, creating an even layer that fully covers the filling. Use a fork to create texture on the potatoes, which helps form a lovely crust.
  5. Bake and serve: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the assembled Shepherd’s Pie for about 20 minutes or until the potato topping turns golden and crispy along the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce greasiness.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
  • Adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of mustard can enhance the filling’s depth of flavor.
  • Don’t overmix mashed potatoes; leaving a bit of texture adds rustic charm.
  • Preheat the oven fully to ensure even baking and a crispy potato topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Comfort Food, Ground Meat, Mashed Potatoes, Hearty Dinner, Gluten Free, Family Meal, One Dish

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/shepherds-pie/