Classic Shepherd's Pie
This Traditional Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that blends savory ground lamb with a creamy blanket of mashed potatoes. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a family gathering, offering rich flavors and a satisfying bite.
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Ingredients for Classic Shepherd's Pie
Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, providing a subtle fruitiness. Onion and garlic form the flavor base, adding depth and aroma. The star is ground lamb, offering a rich, gamey taste that's essential to a true shepherd's pie. Carrots and peas not only add color but sweetness and texture, balancing the flavors. Tomato paste enhances the umami and brings a pleasant tang. Beef broth deepens the savory notes, while Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of complexity. Finally, the mashed potatoes are the creamy, buttery crowning glory, made even smoother with a bit of butter and milk.
Classic Shepherd's Pie Tips & Tricks
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mash.
- For a crispier top, use a fork to create peaks in the mashed potatoes before baking.
- If you prefer, substitute ground beef for a milder flavor.
- To save time, use pre-made mashed potatoes.
Serving Ideas for Classic Shepherd's Pie
Pair this shepherd's pie with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of crusty bread can help scoop up every delicious bite. For a beverage, a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
- Absolutely! While it alters the traditional flavor, ground beef works perfectly well in this recipe.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, shepherd's pie freezes well. Make sure it's fully cooled before covering tightly and storing in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Replace the lamb with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which gives you the perfect golden finish on those mashed potatoes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they're translucent and aromatic—this is your flavor base.
Next, add the ground lamb to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until browned. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Stir in the diced carrots and peas, cooking them for about 5 minutes. This softens them slightly while keeping a bit of crunch.
Mix in the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Don't forget to season it all with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 15 minutes, which thickens the mixture and melds the flavors beautifully. Once thickened, transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
Now, it's time for the mashed potato layer. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, making sure to cover all the edges to prevent bubbling over. Dot the top with butter and drizzle with milk for extra creaminess. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps set everything nicely.
Why This Classic Shepherd's Pie Works
- Authentic taste with a classic twist.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
- Family-friendly and comforting.
- Quick assembly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- 3. Add ground lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- 4. Stir in carrots and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- 5. Mix in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
- 6. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
- 7. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
- 8. Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and drizzle with milk.
- 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- 10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.