Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish rooted in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It’s a hearty, savory pie filled with minced meat (traditionally lamb, hence “shepherd”), vegetables, and a crust of mashed potatoes. 

For this dish, I substituted the ground lamb for ground beef, but you can do whatever you’d like. You can even use ground turkey if you’d like! The choice is yours. In the end, the combination of fragrant herbs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful meat is all you need to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the family in a few days. What a great recipe to keep in your back pocket! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can, 6 oz, tomato paste
• water
• 1 bag, 12 oz, frozen mixed vegetables (can keep frozen)
• mashed potatoes, cooked

How To Make This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:  

Preheat oven to 350. 

Add onion, garlic and ground meat to a skillet and cook over medium high heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain grease if necessary. Add tomato paste and fill can with water and add water to the beef. Continue to cook on medium heat until hot. Add frozen vegetables and cook until heated through. 

Spread beef mixture into a 2-1/2 quart baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top and bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the top of the mashed potatoes are crispy and golden brown – to your liking. 

Serves 6

Common Questions About Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

What meat is used in Shepherd’s Pie?

Traditionally, authentic Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb. When ground beef is used, the dish is often called Cottage Pie. However, variations may include other meats such as chicken, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives like lentils or beans.

What vegetables are included in Shepherd’s Pie?

Common vegetables include carrots, peas, onions, and sometimes celery. The vegetables are mixed with the minced meat and often cooked in a rich gravy or sauce before being topped with a creamy mashed potato.

Can Shepherd’s Pie be made ahead of time?

Yes, Shepherd’s Pie is an excellent dish for making ahead of time. You can prepare the pie completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

How do you thicken the filling?

The filling can be thickened with flour or cornstarch. Flour is typically cooked with the meat and vegetables to create a roux before adding liquid. Cornstarch can be mixed with a little cold water and then stirred into the filling to thicken it.

What is the best way to top Shepherd’s Pie?

The traditional topping for Shepherd’s Pie is mashed potatoes. For best results, the potatoes should be creamy and well-seasoned. They can be piped onto the top for a decorative effect or simply spread with a spatula. For a golden crust, the pie can be brushed with melted butter or egg wash before baking.

Can Shepherd’s Pie be frozen?

Yes, Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Cool the pie completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Variations 

Adding new ingredients to Shepherd’s Pie can introduce a variety of flavors and textures, making this classic dish even more delicious and customized to your taste preferences. Here are some additional ingredients you might consider incorporating:

Proteins

• Pulled Pork: For a rich, smoky flavor.
• Turkey: A leaner option that pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
• Chorizo: Adds a spicy, robust flavor to the meat layer.

Vegetables

• Mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture and rich flavor, great in vegetarian versions.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduce a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
• Sweet Corn: Adds sweetness and texture contrast.
• Bell Peppers: Incorporate for a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
• Zucchini: Brings a mild flavor and additional nutrients.
• Sweet Potatoes: Offers more sweetness to the dish.
• Eggplant: Gives a meaty texture, perfect for adding bulk to vegetarian options.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Offer a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.

Flavor Enhancers

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth to the meat gravy.
• Tomato Paste: For a richer tomato base in the meat layer.
• Garlic Powder: An absolute must.
• Red Wine: Enriches the sauce with a complex flavor (be sure to let it cook off).
• Fresh Herbs: Such as rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, or parsley, for aromatic freshness.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness to the dish.
• Curry Powder: For an Indian-inspired twist.

Cheeses

• Cheddar: Grated on top for a cheesy crust.
• Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the potato topping.
• Feta: Crumbled into the meat mixture for a Mediterranean flair.

Other Ingredients

• Lentils: A hearty and nutritious addition for a vegetarian pie.
• Barley: Adds texture and makes the filling more substantial.
• Tomato Paste / Tomato Sauce: To give it more of a tomato base. 
• Soy Sauce: Some like to add a bit of soy sauce as a little kick. It is a simply savory sauce. 
• Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: To add a bit of creaminess to the base. 
• Quinoa: Introduces a protein-packed grain for a healthier twist.
• Sweet Potato: Use as an alternative to regular potatoes for the topping for a sweeter taste and higher nutritional value.

By experimenting with these ingredients, you can tailor your Shepherd’s Pie to suit any occasion, dietary preference, or flavor craving, making it a versatile dish that never gets boring.

​Cooking Tips and Time Savers:

• Use frozen peas and leftover mashed potatoes 

The next time you are in the mood for a hearty meal, consider this classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe. The entire dish works as one unit and leftovers always taste better the next day. That’s the best part! There is something about brown ground beef and a mashed potato crust – the combo is unbeatable and is a great way to spend time with friends. Pure comfort food! 

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