Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines rich, flavorful meat and vegetable filling with a fluffy mashed potato crust, creating a satisfying meal full of warmth and texture. Easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients, Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless favorite that pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground lamb or beef
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Onion (chopped)
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Carrots (diced)
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Frozen peas
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Garlic (minced)
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Tomato paste
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Worcestershire sauce
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Beef or vegetable broth
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Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
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Potatoes (for mashing)
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Butter
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Milk or cream
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Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add onions, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
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Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and herbs. Simmer until mixture thickens. Add peas and cook briefly.
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Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
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Use a fork to create texture on the potato surface for crisping.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Use ground beef instead of lamb.
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Add corn or mushrooms to the filling.
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Top with shredded cheese for extra richness.
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Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef is a common substitute.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
How do I get crispy mashed potato topping?
Create ridges on the mashed potatoes with a fork and bake uncovered.
Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free broth and no flour in the filling.
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, freeze cooked pie in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How do I make the filling thicker?
Simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, corn, mushrooms, or green beans work well.
What herbs are best?
Thyme and rosemary are traditional favorites.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but fresh mashed potatoes yield better texture.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for satisfying family dinners or cozy nights in. With its flavorful meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it remains a beloved classic that’s simple to make and endlessly adaptable
Shepherd’s Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food featuring savory ground lamb or beef mixed with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbly. This hearty casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground lamb or beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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1 cup frozen peas
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup beef or vegetable broth
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
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1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
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4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (for mashing)
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3 tbsp butter
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½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add onions, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
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Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer until the mixture thickens. Add peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
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Use a fork to create texture on the mashed potatoes for a crispier crust.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are golden and filling is bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred.Add corn, mushrooms, or other veggies for variety.Top with shredded cheese for extra richness.Use mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a twist.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat covered or in microwave.
