A hearty dish made with ground beef or lamb and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 1/2lbpotatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4cupbutter, unsalted, melted
- 1/2cupcream
Shepherd's Pie Filling
- 1lbground lamb or beef
- 1cuppeas, fresh or frozen
- 3/4cupred wine
- 3/4cupbeef broth
- 1/2cupcelery, chopped
- 3/4cuponion, chopped
- 1/2cupcarrots, chopped
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tbspthyme
- 1tbspbutter, unsalted
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Shepherd's Pie
Making the Potatoes
In a large pot, add the potatoes and fill with cold water. Add a couple of tablespoons of salt, and bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes or until a fork can pass easily through the potatoes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. In a mixing bowl, using a potato ricer or masher, mash the potatoes, stirring in the melted butter and cream. Add salt to taste and set aside.
Cooking the Filling
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or gas mark 6.
In a cast iron casserole dish or skillet on medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Remove from the heat and place into a bowl.
Return the casserole pan or skillet back to the heat. Add the remaining butter and cook the onions, celery, and carrots until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the red wine, beef broth, and cooked lamb or beef. Cook until the liquid has reduced.
Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Cooking Shepherd's Pie
Remove from the heat and add the peas. Pour into an oven-safe casserole dish if desired.
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mashed potatoes on top and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the potatoes have turned golden brown.
Tips & Tricks
For a smoother texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
Let the filling cool slightly before spreading the mashed potatoes on top to prevent them from sinking.
FAQS
What is the best way to store leftover Shepherd's Pie?
To store leftover Shepherd's Pie, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use an airtight container or freezer-safe dish, and it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I make Shepherd's Pie with ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb or beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lamb or beef in Shepherd's Pie. This will make the dish lighter and lower in fat, while still providing a delicious flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since leaner meats may cook faster.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's Pie is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette salad can help balance the richness of the pie.
How can I make Shepherd's Pie suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make Shepherd's Pie gluten-free, ensure that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce you use are labeled gluten-free. You can also make your own broth if you're unsure. The rest of the ingredients, including potatoes and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
What is the cooking process for making the perfect mashed potatoes for Shepherd's Pie?
To make perfect mashed potatoes for Shepherd's Pie, start by peeling and cubing your potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and mash them while still warm, adding melted butter and cream for creaminess. Season with salt to taste, and ensure they are smooth and fluffy before spreading them on top of the meat mixture.
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Sean
(@manmeetsoven)
I have a food blog that is all about making cooking accessible to everyone. I aim to provide a wide range of recipes, from comfort food classics to creative dishes that go from everyday food to special occasions. I have a food blog that is all about making cooking accessible to everyone. I aim to provide a wide range of recipes, from comfort...
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