This recipe is my absolute fave because it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that reminds me of cozy family dinners. There’s something so satisfying about the creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping paired with the hearty, flavorful meat and veggie filling—it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
The classic Shepherd’s Pie creates comforting aromas that are hard to resist. Using savory ground lamb or beef, this dish is sautéed with a large onion and minced garlic.
It comes uber-seasoned with fresh thyme and rosemary, making it almost too flavorful. Adding a topping of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes transforms this dish to an entirely different level.
It is a family meal, earthy, hearty, and somewhat light in nutritional value.
Ingredients
Ground Lamb or Beef:
Provides savory flavor and hearty texture, rich in protein.
Potatoes:
Rich in carbs that make it so creamy, with a core flavor that’s really comforting.
Olive Oil:
Nutritious oils contribute to texture and taste.
Onion:
Furnishes intensity and sugary character, loaded with abundant antioxidants.
Garlic:
Enhances flavor, potentially great for health.
Carrots:
Have a high natural sugar content and are rich in beta-carotene.
Peas:
Include fiber and a hint of sweetness to boost texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground lamb or beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) before you begin.
2. In a sizeable skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
3. Place the lamb or beef in the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if required.
4. Add the flour and tomato paste to the sauce. Cook them together for about 2 minutes, like sautéing in a pan, but using your sauce pot instead. You want to cook the flour and paste to get the raw flavor out before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients.
5. Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, peas, carrots, and corn. Heat the mixture until it becomes thick, and then add the salt and pepper.
6. In a large saucepan, prepare a pot of boiling salted water. Place the potatoes in and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
7. Incorporate butter and milk in the potatoes, mashing them until they are smooth. Fold in the cheddar cheese, and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
8. Distribute evenly the meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish.
9. Add the mashed potatoes on top, making sure to smooth the surface.
10. Put into the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the top is a nice golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Sauce pot
4. Large saucepan
5. Baking dish
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Garlic press or knife
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Potato masher or fork
11. Measuring spoons
12. Measuring cup
13. Colander or strainer
14. Mixing spoon
FAQ
- What type of meat is traditionally used in Shepherd’s Pie?Shepherd’s Pie is ordinarily made with ground lamb, but many recipes use ground beef and call the dish “Cottage Pie.”
- Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, you can swap out cheddar cheese for other cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella; Gruyere; or even a sharp gouda, which would lend a different flavor.
- Is it possible to make Shepherd’s Pie vegetarian?Of course, you can substitute lentils or a meat alternative for the meat and use vegetable broth in place of beef or chicken broth.
- How can I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?For a creamier texture, be sure to mash the potatoes thoroughly, and consider adding additional butter and milk, if necessary, and maybe a splash of cream for richness.
- Can I prepare Shepherd’s Pie in advance?Certainly! The pie can be put together, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours before going into the oven. If it comes straight out of the fridge and into the oven, the baking time will likely need to be increased.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover Shepherd’s Pie?Warm food in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is warm all the way through. The top can be covered with foil to keep it from getting too brown.
- Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?Absolutely, Shepherd’s Pie is great for freezing. Cool it down all the way and then wrap it up tight. To serve, you can bake it straight from the freezer or let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use vegetable oil or canola oil as substitutes for olive oil.
Substituting lighter meats for lamb or beef: Ground turkey and chicken can replace lamb or beef in any recipe.
Thyme leaves, in a fresh state, can be swapped out with dried thyme, using only half a teaspoon. This is my best impression of a fresh replacement.
Substituting with dried rosemary is simple. Just use this amount to replace fresh rosemary. Below are amounts to replace herbs in a way that keeps the flavor and structure of the dish intact.
Keep in mind some herbs are stronger in flavor when dried.
Fresh rosemary = Dried rosemary
1 tablespoon = 1 teaspoon
This is 1/2 the amount, but I still use it because I like the flavor rosemary gives the dish.
You can use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses, like Monterey Jack, in place of cheddar.
Pro Tips
1. Flavor Boost with Herbs: To intensify the flavor of your dish, consider adding the thyme and rosemary at two points: once at the beginning when cooking the onions and garlic, and then again before mixing the meat and vegetable mixture. This will layer the flavors effectively.
2. Extra Creamy Potatoes: For exceptionally creamy mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher. It helps achieve a smoother texture, making it easier to spread over the meat mixture.
3. Crusty Potato Top: After spreading the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, create texture on the surface with a fork. The ridges will help the top become beautifully browned and crispy in the oven.
4. Infuse the Broth: Before adding the broth to the meat mixture, gently warm it with a bay leaf and a few peppercorns, then strain. This subtle addition can lift the savory profile of the entire dish.
5. Vegetable Sauté: To enhance the flavor of the vegetables, briefly sauté the peas, carrots, and corn in a bit of butter before adding to the meat mixture. It will not only enhance their taste but also deepen the overall flavor of the filling.
La Mejor Receta Para Shepherds Pie Recipe
My favorite La Mejor Receta Para Shepherds Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Sauce pot
4. Large saucepan
5. Baking dish
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Garlic press or knife
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Potato masher or fork
11. Measuring spoons
12. Measuring cup
13. Colander or strainer
14. Mixing spoon
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground lamb or beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) before you begin.
2. In a sizeable skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
3. Place the lamb or beef in the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if required.
4. Add the flour and tomato paste to the sauce. Cook them together for about 2 minutes, like sautéing in a pan, but using your sauce pot instead. You want to cook the flour and paste to get the raw flavor out before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients.
5. Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, peas, carrots, and corn. Heat the mixture until it becomes thick, and then add the salt and pepper.
6. In a large saucepan, prepare a pot of boiling salted water. Place the potatoes in and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
7. Incorporate butter and milk in the potatoes, mashing them until they are smooth. Fold in the cheddar cheese, and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
8. Distribute evenly the meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish.
9. Add the mashed potatoes on top, making sure to smooth the surface.
10. Put into the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the top is a nice golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.