Description
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup milk or heavy cream
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Make the mashed potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
Cook the meat filling:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (2-3 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in peas and carrots.
Assemble the pie:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice potatoes into uniform chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
2. Make Topping: Mash potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Cover and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
4. Build Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika.
5. Simmer Filling: Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer meat filling to a 9×9 baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, spreading gently to seal edges.
7. Bake & Finish: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pie is a complete meal. For a traditional pub-style experience, serve with a side of mushy peas or buttered green beans. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. A pint of stout or a glass of full-bodied red wine makes an excellent pairing.
How-to Summary
To make Classic Shepherd’s Pie, first prepare creamy mashed potatoes. Separately, brown ground meat, then cook onions and garlic in the same skillet. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, and broth to create a savory sauce, finishing with frozen vegetables. Assemble the meat filling in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pie completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie? Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. The terms are often used interchangeably today.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
My mashed potatoes are sinking into the filling. How do I prevent this? Ensure your meat filling is not too watery. Let it simmer to reduce the liquid. Also, allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly, which helps them firm up before spreading.
What are good potato substitutes for the topping? For a lower-carb option, try mashed cauliflower or a mix of cauliflower and parsnips. Sweet potato mash also adds a delicious twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery Filling: Not simmering the meat mixture long enough. It should be moist but not soupy.
- Lumpy Potatoes: Mashing potatoes while they are still hot ensures a smooth texture.
- Underseasoning: Taste and season both the meat filling and the mashed potatoes separately.
- Overfilling the Dish: Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top to prevent bubbling over in the oven.
- Skipping the Edge Seal: Spread potatoes to the dish edges to create a seal, preventing the filling from bubbling up.
Conclusion
Classic Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory meat and creamy potato. This versatile recipe is forgiving for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, golden-brown masterpiece that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!