Rustic Shepherd's Pie

Name: Rustic Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground beef or lamb; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup peas; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp thyme

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Rustic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting classic that combines savory meat with a fluffy potato topping. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a hearty meal to share with friends. The blend of herbs and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and makes it irresistibly crave-worthy.

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Ingredients for Rustic Shepherd's Pie

The star of our dish is the russet potatoes, known for their fluffy texture, perfect for mashing. Whole milk and butter make the mashed potatoes creamy and rich. The onion and garlic provide a flavor base for the meat. You can choose between ground beef or lamb, both offering a different but equally delicious taste. Carrots and peas add sweetness and color, while all-purpose flour helps thicken our filling. Beef broth and a dash of Worcestershire sauce deepen the savory flavor, and a sprinkle of thyme brings everything together with a hint of earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

Use a fork to create peaks in the mashed potatoes before baking for a crispier top.
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mashed potatoes before baking.
If you prefer a smoother potato topping, use a hand mixer for mashing.
Don't skip draining the meat; it keeps the pie from becoming greasy.

Serving Suggestions

This shepherd's pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a bit more indulgence, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A glass of red wine, like a merlot or cabernet, complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?: Absolutely! Substitute the meat with lentils or a meatless ground alternative.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?: While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, instant potatoes can be a convenient substitute in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Rustic Shepherd's Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Let's get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, peel and dice your russet potatoes. Get a pot of salted water boiling, and then add the potatoes. They'll need about 15 minutes to become tender. Once they're ready, drain them well and mash them together with your whole milk, butter, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Set those aside while we work on the filling.

Grab a skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. Now, add your choice of ground meat. Cook it until it's browned all the way through, taking care to drain any excess fat so your pie isn't greasy.

Next, stir in the diced carrots and peas. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the beef broth and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle in the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep cooking until the mixture has thickened up nicely. Now, it's time to assemble your pie. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out for even coverage.

Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the pie cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Easily adaptable to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience.

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup whole milk

2 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground beef or lamb

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup peas

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.

4. Add ground meat, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

5. Stir in carrots and peas, cook for 5 minutes.

6. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture, stir to coat.

7. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a simmer.

8. Add thyme, season with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened.

9. Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.