Craving a comforting meal that'll transport you straight to the heart of British cuisine? Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate one-dish wonder that'll have your family begging for seconds! Our Easy Homemade Shepherd's Pie is not just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines hearty ground meat, sweet vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in a dish so delicious, it'll become an instant family favorite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal that screams home-cooked comfort, this Shepherd's Pie is about to become your new go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even heating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and carrots, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the carrots begin to soften, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it is completely browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat if necessary. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, smooth top. Use gentle sweeping motions to create decorative peaks and ridges if desired.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, portioning out generous servings that include both the meat filling and potato topping.
Tips
- Meat Selection: While traditional Shepherd's Pie uses lamb, ground beef works wonderfully too. For an extra-rich flavor, try using a mix of ground lamb and beef.
- Potato Perfection: For the smoothest mashed potato topping, use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, and make sure to season them well with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Flavor Boosters: Don't skip the Worcestershire sauce - it adds a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish. Consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth for extra richness.
- Crispy Topping Trick: For a golden, crispy potato top, use a fork to create peaks and ridges. These will brown beautifully and create a stunning presentation.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Freezer-Friendly: Shepherd's Pie freezes beautifully! Prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tip: Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 249kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
