Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – A Hearty and Traditional Comfort

Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved comfort food dish that originated in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Traditionally made with ground lamb, this dish is topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. Shepherd’s Pie is hearty, filling, and perfect for cozy dinners with family. While variations of this recipe exist, the classic version remains a favorite due to its rich flavors and simple yet satisfying ingredients. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a perfect Shepherd’s Pie at home.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Cuisine: British, Irish
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 450 kcal

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup frozen corn

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Wooden spoon
• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan.
2. Cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
5. Add milk, butter, salt, and black pepper.
6. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
5. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
7. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in frozen peas and corn, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Gently spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
2. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
3. Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

• Use fresh herbs: If available, fresh thyme and rosemary add extra flavor.
• Try different meats: For a twist, use ground beef (which technically makes it a Cottage Pie) or a mix of beef and lamb.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• For a healthier version: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and lean ground meat.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked Shepherd’s Pie for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect combination of a rich and savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something warm and hearty, this Shepherd’s Pie Recipe will never disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy the comfort of this timeless classic!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.