Name: My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground beef or lamb; 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that combines savory meat and vegetables with a creamy mashed potato topping. This homemade version is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for a hearty family dinner.

A black pan holds a shepherd's pie with two main layers: the top layer is bright yellow mashed potatoes browned slightly and sprinkled with small green herbs, creating a textured, slightly uneven surface; underneath is a thick mix of ground meat, diced orange carrots, green peas, and small pieces of corn with a rich brown sauce. Part of the pie is scooped out with a wooden spatula showing both layers clearly, the mashed potatoes thick and creamy above the hearty, well-mixed vegetable and meat filling. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with sprigs of fresh green herbs nearby and a small bowl of pepper visible at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef or lamb
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well, then simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the filling to a baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Meanwhile, place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 5: Add milk and butter to potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie, or ground beef for a cottage pie variation.
Add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture for deeper flavor.
For extra creaminess, stir sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes.
Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables if fresh are not available.
Top with breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter for a crunchy topping instead of cheese.

Storage

Store leftover shepherd’s pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A slice of shepherd's pie shown on a white plate with a rough rim, placed on a white marbled surface; the dish has two main layers – the bottom layer consists of minced meat mixed with bright green peas, orange carrot pieces, yellow corn, and translucent celery bits, while the top layer is a golden, slightly crispy mashed potato crust with small browned spots; a fork rests on the plate beside the slice, and in the background, there is another plate with a similar portion and a clear glass of water. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a similar depth of flavor.