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easy shepherd's pie recipe

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: English dishes
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

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

Method
 

Cook the Potatoes
  1. In a medium saucepan, cook the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
  1. 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
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add lamb or beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned.
  3. 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
  1. Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 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
  1. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. 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