Classic Shepherd's Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Aug 22
5 min read
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Shepherd's Pie is a hearty British casserole made with seasoned ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and peas, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. This satisfying family meal combines a savory filling with a luscious potato crust, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Shepherd's Pie is a comforting British classic that consists of a savory layer of ground meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Traditionally made with lamb, but often created with beef, this recipe features a rich, hearty filling of ground meat simmered with onions, carrots, peas, and a flavorful gravy. The mashed potatoes are whipped with butter and milk, becoming a smooth, fluffy topping that perfectly complements the savory filling beneath. Baking the pie results in a bubbling base and crisp potato topping, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or chilly evenings. This dish is not just delicious but also utilizes simple, readily available ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. The process involves preparing the meat and vegetable base first, adding a touch of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for depth, and finishing with homemade mashed potatoes spread evenly over the top before baking. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is sure to spark anticipatory appetites and offer a truly satisfying taste of home-style cooking.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb or beef — 1 1/2 pounds
- Onion, chopped — 1 large
- Carrots, diced — 2 medium
- Frozen peas — 1 cup
- Garlic cloves, minced — 2
- Tomato paste — 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire sauce — 2 teaspoons
- Beef broth — 1 cup
- All-purpose flour — 2 tablespoons
- Russet potatoes, peeled — 2 pounds
- Milk — 1/2 cup
- Butter — 4 tablespoons
- Salt — to taste
- Black pepper — to taste
- Olive oil — 2 tablespoons
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in ground lamb or beef; cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon.
5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour; cook for 1 minute more.
6. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Add peas and simmer until mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
8. Use a fork to create texture on potato surface for better browning.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.