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Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Classic

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Shepherd's Pie is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. This dish is made with savory ground lamb or beef, mixed with vegetables, and topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines rich, meaty flavors with the smoothness of potatoes, making it a family favorite. This recipe offers an easy-to-follow guide to creating the perfect Shepherd’s Pie, ensuring that it comes out golden, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine British, Irish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Potato masher

Ingredients
  

  • 500g ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, cooking until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and peas. Pour in beef broth, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened.
  • Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  • Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, using a fork to create ridges.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy top, sprinkle a bit of grated cheese on the mashed potatoes before baking.
  • You can make this dish ahead of time and freeze it, baking when ready.
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