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Easy, Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Beef Or Lamb!)

Easy, Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Beef Or Lamb!)

from themodernproper.com
80 min
8 servings
565 per serving

This classic shepherd’s pie recipe is pure cozy, comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes top a savory beef or lamb filling, baked in a casserole dish for ultimate coziness.

Ingredients

  • russet potatoes

    peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces

    3 lb
  • unsalted butter

    softened

    1 c
  • whole milk
    1 c
  • granulated garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp
  • freshly cracked black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • 90/10 ground beef or ground lamb
    2 lb
  • kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    finely chopped

    1 small
  • carrots

    peeled and finely diced

    2 large
  • finely chopped fennel

    from 1 small bulb

    1 c
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    2
  • all-purpose flour
    2 tbsp
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • beef broth
    2 c
  • freshly cracked black pepper

    plus more for serving

    ½ tsp
  • finely chopped fresh thyme

    plus more for serving

    1 tsp
  • finely chopped fresh rosemary
    1 tsp
  • frozen peas
    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the center position.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Fill a large pot with salted water. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Using the same pot, combine the butter and milk over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until the butter is melted, about 2 minutes. Using a potato ricer, rice the potatoes over the hot butter mixture. (Alternatively, mash the potatoes directly into the liquid, taking care not to overwork them.) Season with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Make the filling. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and transfer to a plate.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the olive oil. Once the oil is glistening, add the onions, carrots, and fennel. Season with remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 more minutes.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Stir in the flour and tomato paste and cook, stirring continuously, until the tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute. Stir in the beef stock, pepper, thyme, and rosemary and bring to a simmer. Add the browned beef and any collected juices and frozen peas and simmer, stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread out evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, and smooth out into an even layer using the back of a spoon. Bake until the filling is bubbling and potatoes are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Top with additional pepper and thyme and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

    Step 8

About this Recipe

Easy, Classic Shepherd’s Pie: Your Ultimate Comfort Food

When the days get shorter and there's a chill in the air, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty, comforting Shepherd’s Pie. Our Easy, Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe is designed to bring that ultimate coziness right to your dinner table, perfect for a crisp Fall recipe evening or a warming Winter recipe feast. This beloved dish features a rich, savory ground beef or lamb filling, brimming with aromatic vegetables and herbs, all topped with a cloud of creamy, golden mashed potatoes.

What makes this shepherd’s pie truly special is its straightforward approach without compromising on flavor. We've balanced the robust taste of either ground beef or lamb with finely diced carrots, onion, and a touch of fennel, adding a subtle, sweet anise note that elevates the whole dish. Fresh thyme and rosemary infuse the filling with an earthy depth, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's no wonder this is a total kid-friendly winner!

Tips for the Perfect Pie:

  • Meat Choice: Whether you opt for ground beef (making it a Cottage Pie, technically!) or traditional ground lamb, both are fantastic. The recipe is versatile enough to shine with either.
  • Veggie Boost: While peas are classic, feel free to toss in a handful of frozen corn or finely diced green beans for extra color and nutrition.
  • Cheesy Topping: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. It creates a beautiful, bubbly, golden crust.

Serve this satisfying casserole hot, straight from the oven, perhaps with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious filling. It’s a complete meal in one dish that promises warmth and satisfaction!

Frequently Asked Questions

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