Description
Craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table? This Irresistible Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish layered with juicy ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. It’s one of the best dinner ideas for fall and winter nights and works well for weekly meal prep or special family dinners. If you’re searching for an easy recipe that doubles as a crowd-pleaser, this traditional shepherd’s pie is a must-try. Ideal for easy dinners, comfort food cravings, and even quick make-ahead meals, it’s one of those food ideas that always hits the spot.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beef or chicken broth
2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup whole milk, warm
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, return to the pot, and mash with warm milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add ground meat and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in broth and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add peas and remove from heat.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling and spread to the edges to seal. Use a fork to create texture on the top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden. For extra crispness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use ground lamb for traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor, or ground beef for a common alternative.
For extra creamy mashed potatoes, add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese.
Make sure to seal the mashed potatoes around the edges to lock in steam and moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, classic dinner, comfort food, beef pie, easy recipe