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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

4.9 from 59 reviews

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a hearty meat filling made with ground beef or lamb combined with aromatic herbs and vegetables, topped with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection. A comforting classic dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

  • 2 tbsp of oil
  • 1 cup of chopped yellow onion
  • 2 lb of ground beef or lamb
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 tsp of dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp of dried rosemary
  • 1½ tsp of salt
  • ½ tsp of black pepper
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp of tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp of tomato paste
  • 1½ cups of beef broth or bullion
  • 1 8.75 oz can of corn
  • 1 14.5 oz can of carrots

Potatoes

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 stick (4 tbsp) of salted butter
  • 2 tsp of garlic (minced or powder)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup of half & half

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a knife.
  3. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher, break them up, then add butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and half & half. Continue mashing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
  4. Prepare the meat filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
  5. Cook the meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and brown it thoroughly with the onions, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  6. Thicken the filling: Sprinkle the flour over the browned meat and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a roux.
  7. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth slowly while stirring. Then add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato ketchup, tomato paste, dried parsley, sage, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Add vegetables: Stir in the canned corn and carrots until evenly combined with the meat mixture.
  9. Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat filling into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them into an even layer.
  10. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • For a traditional taste, use ground lamb instead of beef.
  • You can customize the vegetable mix with peas or green beans if preferred.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.
  • If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra richness.
  • Leftover Shepherd’s Pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Ground Beef, Comfort Food, British Cuisine, Mashed Potatoes, Casserole, Classic Recipe