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Shepherd’s Pie with golden mashed potatoes recipe

Foolproof Shepherd’s Pie Recipe


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  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 people 1x

Description

The Classic Shepherd’s Pie with ground lamb and vegetables and baked under creamy gold mashed potatoes. It’s simple, filling and delicious. you’ll likely make again and again!


Ingredients

Scale

Section: For the Potato Topping:

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” thick pieces
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, warm
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted to brush the top
  • 1 Tbsp parsley or chives, chopped, to garnish the top

Section: For the Pie Filling:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or ground lamb
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided, or added to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, or cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, or use beef broth
  • 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables of choice, peas, carrots, and corn


Instructions

Section: How to Make Potatoes:

  1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan filled with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes; avoid overcooking. Drain and mash the potatoes in the same pot.
  2. Incorporate the warm cream and 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), mashing until the mixture is smooth. Finally, mix in the parmesan cheese and beaten egg.

Section: How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

  1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F with a rack positioned in the center. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and the ground beef. Break up the meat with a spatula, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic for an additional minute. Sprinkle in 2 Tbsp flour and stir for 1 minute, allowing a film to form at the bottom of the pan.
  3. Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze for a minute. Add the beef broth, 1 Tbsp tomato paste, and 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Incorporate 1 1/2 cups of frozen vegetables and bring to a gentle boil. Season with another 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper or adjust to taste. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a deep pie dish or a 9×9 or 11×7 casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, ensuring they seal at the edges to prevent bubbling. Drizzle 2 Tbsp melted butter on top.
  6. Place a sheet of foil under the casserole to catch any drips and bake at 400˚F on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to turn golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

TECHNIQUE TIP: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, mash while warm and add cream gradually.

STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

SUBSTITUTION: Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef or lamb.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: English

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 403 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 857 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 99 mg