Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our delightful Shepherd's Pie! This classic British dish is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. Imagine digging into layers of savory ground beef or lamb, tender vegetables, and a creamy, golden mashed potato topping that’s crisped to perfection. With just an hour of your time, you can create a dish that promises to satisfy both the heart and the palate. Ready to impress your loved ones with a home-cooked masterpiece? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the meat. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
- Pour in beef broth and add frozen peas. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a rich, thick sauce.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture, creating a smooth top. Use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges for crispy edges.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, portioning out generous servings that showcase the layers of meat and creamy potato topping.
Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: While traditional Shepherd's Pie uses lamb, ground beef is a delicious alternative. Experiment with both to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the meat; this step enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Aim for a nice, golden color before adding the vegetables.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor. Just ensure they are diced small for even cooking.
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Add a bit of butter and cream for extra richness.
- Make It Ahead: Shepherd's Pie can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
- Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. It adds a delightful richness and a beautiful golden crust.
- Let It Rest: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
