Shepherd's Pie

Craving a warm and hearty meal? Dive into the comforting world of Shepherd's Pie! This easy recipe layers savory ground meat, fresh veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes for a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for family or a cozy night in, you'll love the step-by-step guide, tips, and variations to suit your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating your own delicious Shepherd's Pie today!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb (or beef for variation)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup milk

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes: Add milk and butter to the drained potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Set aside.

Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground lamb or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft and aromatic. Then, add the diced carrots and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Pie: Spread the meat filling into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly layer the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing them out with a spatula.

Create Texture: Use a fork to create swirls and peaks in the mashed potatoes for a lovely texture and an aesthetic look.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Cool and Serve: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Shepherd's Pie directly from the baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread!