Homemade Shepherd's Pie

Homemade Shepherd's Pie

6 servings
Make the ultimate comfort food for your family: Homemade Shepherd's Pie (or Cottage Pie) with ground beef - simple, yummy and easy to make. See notes if you want to make this with lamb for a fully authentic version!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic

    chopped

  • 2 onions

    finely chopped

  • 2 medium carrots

    finely diced

  • 2 sticks celery

    finely diced

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
  • ground black pepper
    to taste
  • 2 tablespoons white flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup red wine

    OR more broth if avoiding alcohol

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped thyme
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes)

    (click for my recipe and you'll have some leftovers to sneak during cooking

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    Brown meat and vegetables:Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large, deep skillet. Brown the ground meat, then add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened.

  2. 2

    Season and deglaze the pan:Sprinkle salt, paprika, pepper and flour over the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring all the time, until it smells roasted (about 1 minute). Pour in the red wine (OR beef broth if you prefer!), scratching any browned bits off the bottom.

  3. 3

    Finish filling and cool:Then stir in broth, herbs and peas, simmer 4-5 minutes and then let cool in a 7x11 inch baking dish.

  4. 4

    Prep mash:In the meantime, make your favorite mashed potatoes. You need about 4 cups of mash to top off the casserole. About 1.5 pounds of peeled potatoes should yield enough.

  5. 5

    Bake pie:Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the mashed potatoes over the cold filling. (Be careful not to mix up the two.) Criss-cross with a fork for a great look and crispy edges! Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden (I recommend baking on a lined baking sheet to catch any spills).

Homemade Shepherd's Pie

Homemade Shepherd's Pie

75 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate cozy meal that brings everyone to the table? This Homemade Shepherd's Pie recipe delivers classic comfort, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. What makes this version so special is its rich, savory ground beef filling, packed with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, all tucked under a golden, cheesy mashed potato topping. It's a simple, yummy, and easy approach to a beloved dish, offering flexibility to use lamb for a truly authentic touch if you prefer. Prepare for a deeply satisfying and hearty experience with every spoonful. You'll find a robust, savory base where tender ground beef mingles with sweet carrots and aromatic celery and onions, all simmered in a flavorful broth with a hint of red wine. This rich foundation is beautifully crowned with a generous layer of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, lightly browned and studded with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, promising both comfort and flavor. While this recipe features ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground lamb to create a more traditional Shepherd's Pie. If you're avoiding alcohol, feel free to substitute the red wine with an equal amount of additional beef broth. This makes it adaptable to various preferences without sacrificing flavor. This Homemade Shepherd's Pie is the quintessential family meal, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve it piping hot as a standalone centerpiece.

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