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Shepherd's Pie Recipe

The Ultimate Classic Shepherd's Pie - also known as Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie. Features ground beef (or lamb) and vegetables in a savory gravy, crowned with cheesy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Keyword: Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

MEAT FILLING:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef -or ground lamb
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves -minced
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots*
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

POTATO TOPPING:

  • 1 ½ - 2 lb. russet potatoes -about 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter -1 stick
  • 1/3 cup half & half
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

MAKE THE MEAT FILLING

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in the dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  • Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic, stirring well. Let it cook for another minute.
  • Add the all-purpose flour and tomato paste, stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour in the beef broth, then add the frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Set the meat mixture aside and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

MAKE THE POTATO TOPPING

  • Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the hot pot. Let the potatoes sit for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture.
  • Add the unsalted butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, making sure all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Fold in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.

ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

  • Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out to cover the meat evenly.
  • If your baking dish is quite full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow during baking. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

 
  • If frozen mixed peas and carrots are unavailable, substitute with ½ cup of frozen peas and ½ cup of frozen sliced carrots.
  • Set the oven to 400° F. Begin preheating it once you’ve finished preparing the meat mixture.
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