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:
- 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.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter and milk to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
For the Filling:
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for a couple of minutes.
- 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:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish or pie dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, spreading them with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- 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.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Shepherd’s Pie for garnish.
- 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.