Hearty Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic Comfort Food Casserole

Shepherd’s Pie: A Comfort Food Classic

Warm up your evening with this hearty shepherd’s pie that layers savory ground beef or lamb under a blanket of cheesy mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie

• Ultimate comfort food: Rustic, filling, and perfect for family dinners.
• Rich, savory filling: Ground lamb or beef with aromatics, vegetables, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce.
• Cheesy potato topping: Creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheddar for golden perfection.

Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

1. Prep the Potatoes

   Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain, then mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in half of the cheddar cheese.

2. Cook the Filling

   While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat, breaking up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Add Vegetables & Sauce

   Stir in onion and carrots; sauté 5 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in flour, stirring to coat. Add tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened, then fold in peas. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble & Bake

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top, creating peaks with a fork. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

   Bake for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Lean or flavorful: Swap lamb for beef or turkey based on preference.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, corn, or green beans for extra texture.
• Creamier mash: Use half-and-half instead of milk and fold in sour cream.

Nutrition Information for Shepherd’s Pie

• Calories: 452 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sodium: 295 mg

Enjoy every savory bite of this shepherd’s pie—a dish that brings warmth and smiles to the table.

Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes