Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s a classic recipe for this beloved comfort food:

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef (or a combination)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add butter and milk to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

For the Filling:

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to create a thick and flavorful gravy. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more broth.

Assembling the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish or pie dish.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, spreading them with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
5. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Shepherd’s Pie for garnish.
6. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your classic Shepherd’s Pie!

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it a perfect family dinner or comfort food for a cozy evening.