Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless comfort dish featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe uses ground lamb for an authentic flavor, but beef works just as well. It’s perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (choose lamb for traditional flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried herbs
• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup whole milk or cream (use warm)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F, placing a rack in the center. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the chopped onions and carrots and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground lamb or beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until no pink remains.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 8 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Step 4: Fold in the frozen peas, then transfer the meat mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
5. Step 5: Peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender.
6. Step 6: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, then mash until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper.
7. Step 7: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
8. Step 8: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while it simmers.
• Substitute sweet potatoes for the topping for a twist on the classic.
• Use leftover roasted vegetables in the filling to add more depth and reduce waste.
• Cover the dish with foil during baking if the topping browns too quickly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the texture of the topping. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef works well and makes a tasty Shepherd’s Pie. Traditionally, lamb is used, but beef is a common and delicious alternative.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked enough?

The potatoes are done when they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, usually about 15 minutes of boiling. This ensures a smooth and creamy mashed potato topping.

Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe delivers ultimate comfort dining with a rich, savory lamb or beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, traditional dish perfect for cozy family dinners.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Savory Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (choose lamb for traditional flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried herbs

For the Creamy Potato Topping

• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup whole milk or cream, warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning a rack in the center to ensure even baking of the shepherd’s pie.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and diced carrots, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
3. Cook Meat: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently until fully browned and no pink remains.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
5. Simmer Filling: Pour in the beef or lamb broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 8–10 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Fold in Peas & Transfer: Stir in the frozen peas last, mixing well. Transfer the savory filling evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
7. Boil Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes, then place them in salted boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Assemble Pie: Spoon or dollop the mashed potatoes over the meat filling in the baking dish. Optionally sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra richness.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Notes

• Use lamb for a more authentic shepherd’s pie flavor; beef is a common substitute known as cottage pie.
• Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the filling—don’t skip it.
• Ensure potatoes are well drained before mashing to avoid watery topping.
• Cheddar cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious golden crust.
• Let the shepherd’s pie rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, classic shepherd’s pie, lamb pie, comfort food, baked casserole, mashed potato topping