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Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a comforting and fulfilling dish perfect for cozy nights at home. Featuring layers of savory ground meat, rich vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s a classic comfort meal that’s simple to make and loved by all ages. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a hearty balance of flavors and textures with easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Liquids & Bases

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth

Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or starchy variety), peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup warm milk

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute rosemary, sage, or parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. Boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with warm milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside while preparing the filling.
  2. Cook the filling: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in a bit of oil until aromatic. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in diced carrots, peas, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly and the vegetables are tender. Season with Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a spatula. Use a fork to create textured peaks on the potato surface for a classic look.
  4. Bake to perfection: Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
  • Keep the meat mixture slightly saucy to prevent dryness after baking.
  • Use homemade or high-quality beef broth for deeper flavor.
  • Let the pie rest before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
  • Season mashed potatoes with salt and pepper for balanced taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, ground beef, ground lamb, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, family meal, baked casserole