Welcome to the Ultimate Comfort Food – Shepherd’s Pie!
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, hearty comfort food that has been loved for generations. This homemade shepherd’s pie recipe features a rich, savory meat filling made with ground beef or lamb, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep!
Whether you’re looking for an authentic shepherd’s pie recipe, a quick and easy dinner, or a family-friendly meal, this dish checks all the boxes. Follow along as we break down how to make the best homemade shepherd’s pie step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ultimate Comfort Food – Warm, savory, and satisfying!
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Customizable – Use beef, lamb, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats beautifully.
Kid-Friendly – A great way to sneak in extra vegetables!
Want a healthy version? Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option!
Ingredients for Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
For the Meat Filling:
- 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
Mashed Potato Topping:
- 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, for extra flavor!)
Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut milk and vegan butter instead!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the meat filling simmers, place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
For extra flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Step3: Assemble & Bake the Shepherd’s Pie
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling.
For a golden-brown top, lightly brush with melted butter.
Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie
Use freshly mashed potatoes – Avoid instant mash for the best texture.
Let the pie cool before slicing – This helps the layers hold together.
For a crispy top, broil for the last 3 minutes.
Swap beef broth for red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Want a low-carb version? Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Best Ways to Serve Shepherd’s Pie
This dish is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
Warm dinner rolls – For scooping up the delicious filling.
Side salad – A fresh, light balance to the hearty dish.
Steamed broccoli or green beans – Extra veggies never hurt!
Nutritional Information for Shepherd’s Pie
Each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fats: 22g
Fiber: 5g
For a lower-calorie version, use lean ground turkey and mashed cauliflower!
Storage & Leftovers – How to Keep Shepherd’s Pie Fresh
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Lasts up to 3 months!
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Shepherd’s Pie
1. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
- Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.
- Cottage Pie uses beef.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake when ready!
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground “beef”.
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Final Thoughts – Try This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Today!
If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal, this homemade shepherd’s pie is the perfect recipe! With its rich meat filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden-baked top, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
💬 Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
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Now you know how to make the best Shepherd’s Pie at home!
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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Best Comfort Food for Dinner
Description
Welcome to the Ultimate Comfort Food – Shepherd’s Pie!
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, hearty comfort food that has been loved for generations. This homemade shepherd’s pie recipe features a rich, savory meat filling made with ground beef or lamb, sauteed vegetables, and a flavorful gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep!
Whether you’re looking for an authentic shepherd’s pie recipe, a quick and easy dinner, or a family-friendly meal, this dish checks all the boxes. Follow along as we break down how to make the best homemade shepherd’s pie step by step!
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 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
Mashed Potato Topping:
- 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, for extra flavor! )
Want a dairy-free version? Use coconut milk and vegan butter instead!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400degF (200degC). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
While the meat filling simmers, place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
For extra flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. For a golden-brown top, lightly brush with melted butter. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Use freshly mashed potatoes – Avoid instant mash for the best texture.Let the pie cool before slicing – This helps the layers hold together.For a crispy top, broil for the last 3 minutes.Swap beef broth for red wine for extra depth of flavor.Want a low-carb version? Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.