Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Meat and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together savory meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe is simple to make and delivers a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (475 g) prepared mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter (for the mash)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (for the mash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully heated before baking to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned top.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it up and stirring until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: While the filling simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large bowl, mash the cooked and peeled potatoes with butter and warm milk until smooth. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
6. Step 6: Transfer the meat mixture to the bottom of an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Step 7: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Smooth the surface and optionally use a fork to create texture, helping the top brown nicely.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the pie to settle.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef or lamb.
• Substitute peas with corn or chopped green beans for different vegetable flavors.
• Try instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time—still delicious and convenient.
• No Worcestershire sauce? Combine soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground substitute.
• Add shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a creamy, golden crust.
• Swap regular mashed potatoes with sweet potato mash for a sweeter, fiber-rich option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium-high heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You can also freeze Shepherd’s Pie for up to 2 months; thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire pie in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is Shepherd’s Pie kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s very kid-friendly. Simply adjust the seasoning to be milder if needed, and most children will enjoy the familiar flavors of meat and mashed potato.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Meat and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 751 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food featuring a flavorful ground beef or lamb filling mixed with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish combines the richness of savory meat, the sweetness of carrots and peas, and the comforting texture of buttery mashed potatoes, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetable Filling

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 cups (475 g) prepared mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter (for the mash)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (for the mash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C): Begin by heating your oven to ensure the Shepherd’s Pie cooks evenly and develops a golden crust. Allow 10-15 minutes if your oven lacks a temperature indicator.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent to build the flavor base for the pie.
3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy filling.
4. Add vegetables and simmer: Stir in diced carrots. Then add frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Make the mashed potatoes: While the filling simmers, mash the cooked potatoes with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer for extra creaminess if desired, and season with salt.
6. Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing the surface. Optionally, use a fork to create textured ridges for better browning.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until edges bubble and the top turns golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or lamb for a lighter option.
• Swap peas for corn or green beans depending on preference or availability.
• Use instant mashed potatoes to save time while maintaining flavor.
• No Worcestershire sauce? Mix soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar as a replacement.
• For dairy sensitivities, use plant-based or lactose-free milk alternatives.
• Run a fork over the mashed potato topping before baking for a better browned crust.
• Prepare the pie ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British/Irish

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Cottage Pie, ground beef recipe, lamb recipe, comfort food, baked casserole, mashed potato topping