Hello food lovers! Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie recipe will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and your heart with joy. With its rich, savory meat filling and smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the perfect combination of hearty and delicious. Let’s dive into making this wonderful meal together!
Introduction
Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless dish with a rich history. Originally from the UK, this dish traditionally used lamb—hence the name “shepherd’s” pie—but over the years, many have adapted the recipe to use ground beef, especially here in the US. The layers of meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes create a comfort food experience like no other. Fun fact: did you know this dish dates back to the 18th century as a way to make the most of leftovers?
Now, it’s a staple in many homes, known for its heartwarming flavors and filling nature. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie will never disappoint!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need:
Meat Filling
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional option)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef broth or bouillon
- 1 (8.75 oz) can corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can carrots
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 stick salted butter
- 2 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup half & half
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How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Shepherd’s Pie:
Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into smaller pieces.
- Place them into a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes or until soft enough to easily slice through with a knife.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes and mix in the butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and half & half.
- Continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
Meat Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until soft.
- Add the ground beef (or lamb) and brown thoroughly.
- Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and mix well.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, parsley, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the corn and carrots, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Assembly
- Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Enjoy your Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie with its perfectly seasoned meat and smooth mashed potatoes!
Helpful Tips
- Tip for creamy potatoes: Make sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot to achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- Alternative meats: For a more traditional flavor, swap the beef for lamb. Ground turkey also works well as a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Want to add more color? Throw in some peas or green beans for a more vibrant and nutritious pie.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, sage, and rosemary will enhance the flavor of the filling, though dried herbs work in a pinch.
- Sturdy pan: A cast-iron skillet works beautifully for browning the meat and transferring directly to the oven if you prefer a one-pan method.
- Prevent soggy potatoes: Make sure the meat filling isn’t too liquidy; it should be thick and slightly sticky, preventing the mashed potatoes from sinking into it.
Serving Suggestions
This Shepherd’s Pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Try serving it with a light green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For beverages, a glass of red wine or a cold beer will complement the rich, savory flavors perfectly. To impress at dinner parties, serve directly from the baking dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 950mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 3500 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
This dish is packed with protein and offers a good balance of carbohydrates and fats. The use of potatoes, carrots, and corn provides a boost of vitamins and fiber, making it a hearty meal that’s also nutritious.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave for quicker reheating.
- Creative leftovers: Turn the leftovers into handheld pies by placing spoonfuls of the mixture into puff pastry, folding them over, and baking them for 15 minutes at 375°F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Simply assemble the dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of beef or lamb?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the flavor may be milder, so you might want to add extra seasonings.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the meat filling?
Make sure the meat filling has thickened properly by letting it cook for an adequate amount of time after adding the flour and broth. The thicker the filling, the better the potatoes will sit on top without sinking.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie, you might also enjoy these similar recipes:
Check out more delicious recipes to explore new flavors and expand your cooking repertoire!
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie. I hope you enjoy every bite of this comforting dish as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your experience or any twists you added to the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie with Savory Meat Filling and Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Description
Hello food lovers! Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie recipe will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and your heart with joy. With its rich, savory meat filling and smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the perfect combination of hearty and delicious. Let’s dive into making this wonderful meal together!
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional option)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef broth or bouillon
- 1 (8.75 oz) can corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can carrots
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 stick salted butter
- 2 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup half & half
Instructions
Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into smaller pieces.
- Place them into a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes or until soft enough to easily slice through with a knife.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes and mix in the butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and half & half.
- Continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
Meat Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until soft.
- Add the ground beef (or lamb) and brown thoroughly.
- Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and mix well.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, parsley, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the corn and carrots, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Assembly
- Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Enjoy your Classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie with its perfectly seasoned meat and smooth mashed potatoes!
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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- Tip for creamy potatoes: Make sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot to achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- Alternative meats: For a more traditional flavor, swap the beef for lamb. Ground turkey also works well as a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Want to add more color? Throw in some peas or green beans for a more vibrant and nutritious pie.
