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
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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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