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Shepherd's Pie Recipe

A classic and comforting easy Shepherd's Pie recipe made with savory ground meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine English dishes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Potato masher
  • Baking dish (9x13-inch recommended)
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meat Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Cook the Potatoes

  • In a medium saucepan, cook the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

  • Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes. Add butter and milk, and stir until creamy. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Meat Filling

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add lamb or beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned.
  • Add carrots, peas, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce and broth; stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Shepherd's Pie

  • Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spread meat filling in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to the edges to seal in the filling. For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top.

Bake

  • Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Allow Shepherd's Pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
easy shepherd's pie recipe
Add a splash of red wine to the meat filling for added depth of flavor.
For a gluten-free version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
easy shepherd's pie recipe
Keyword Best Shepherd's Pie recipe, Classic Shepherd's Pie recipe, Shepherd's Pie casserole, Shepherd's Pie with mashed potatoes