Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

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Author: Olivia
Published:
Delicious homemade Shepherd's Pie with meat and mashed potato topping

why make this recipe

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is warm, filling, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you can find in any kitchen. This dish feeds a family and tastes like comfort food.

introduction

Shepherd’s Pie mixes savory meat and soft mashed potatoes. You cook the meat with vegetables and gravy, then top it with mashed potatoes and bake. If you like simple home meals, you might also enjoy the best whoopie pies ever for an easy dessert after this meal.

how to make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Start by cooking the meat and vegetables until they are soft. Add tomato paste, broth, and seasoning, then stir in peas and let it simmer. Move the meat mix to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes on top, and add cheese if you like. Bake until the top is golden and the filling bubbles. Let it cool a few minutes, then serve.

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Directions :

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add peas and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula. If using, sprinkle cheese on top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Serve hot from the oven. Cut into squares and place on plates. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A spoonful of gravy or a dash of parsley on top is nice.

how to store Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Cool the pie to room temperature. Cover the dish or move pieces to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly or use a freezer container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm single servings in the microwave.

tips to make Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

  • Use hot mashed potatoes for a better top texture.
  • Drain excess fat from the meat to keep the pie from getting greasy.
  • Season the meat well; taste before baking.
  • Make shallow fork lines on the potato top so it browns nicely.
  • Add cheese only near the end of baking for a melty top.

variation (if any)

  • Use ground beef instead of lamb for a different flavor.
  • Add mushrooms or celery with the carrots for more texture.
  • Replace peas with corn or mixed vegetables.
  • Make a vegetarian version with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms and vegetable broth.
  • Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potato mash for a sweeter top.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Thaw and heat them so they spread easily before topping the pie.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes, keep them in the fridge, assemble and bake when ready.

Q: Is this recipe good for a crowd?
A: Yes. Double the recipe and use a large baking dish to feed more people.

Q: How do I know the pie is done?
A: The top should be golden and the filling should bubble at the edges. If you added cheese, it should be melted and slightly browned.

Print
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Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add peas and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula. If using, sprinkle cheese on top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use hot mashed potatoes for better texture. Drain excess fat from the meat and make shallow fork lines on the potato topping for a nice browning.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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