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My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

My Famous Homemade Shepherd's Pie
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My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, comforting dish that combines savory ground meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into a hearty meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, offering rich flavors, satisfying textures, and versatile options to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Filling

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté them in a little oil or butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart until browned evenly. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. Add thyme and rosemary, then peas and stock. Let the mixture simmer gently until thickened and flavors meld.
  2. Make the Mashed Potato Topping: While the filling cooks, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. For extra richness, fold in sour cream or cream cheese if desired.
  3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the cooked filling evenly. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula or fork to create ridges that will crisp when baked.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled pie for 20-25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and slightly crispy. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the creamiest mashed potatoes.
  • Simmer the filling until thickened to avoid a watery consistency and soggy topping.
  • Season meat and potatoes separately to ensure balanced flavors through every bite.
  • Roughen the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork to create a crunchy crust after baking.
  • Allow the pie to rest a few minutes after baking for easier, cleaner serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground lamb, ground beef, comfort food, mashed potatoes, hearty dinner, family meal, classic British dish

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/my-famous-homemade-shepherds-pie/