Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
peeled and cut into 1” thick pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
warm
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
shredded
- 1 large egg
lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
melted to brush the top
- 1 Tbsp parsley or chives
chopped, to garnish the top
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground lamb
- divided, or added to taste1 1/2 tsp salt
- plus more to taste1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion)
finely chopped (1 cup
- 2 garlic cloves
minced
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables of choice
peas, carrots, and corn
Directions
- 1
Place chopped potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to boil. Cook until potatoes are tender (12-15 minutes), don’t overcook potatoes. Drain and mash potatoes in the same pot.
- 2
Preheat oven to 400˚F with a rack in the center. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and ground beef. Breaking up the beef with a spatula then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper and cook until meat is just cooked through and no longer pink (5 minutes).
- 3
Transfer meat and veggie mixture to a deep pie dish, or 11x7 or 9x9 casserole dish.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Easy-Shepherds-Pie-Lead-1-165895d900e64d9d867b4027298ad25a.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food experience? This Shepherd’s Pie recipe delivers a deeply satisfying, homey meal, crowned with a rich, creamy mashed potato topping that’s perfect for any chilly evening or family gathering. This isn't just another casserole; it’s a warm embrace in a dish.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Shepherd's Pie truly special is the harmonious blend of a savory meat and vegetable gravy with an incredibly luxurious mashed potato topping. The addition of parmesan cheese and a lightly beaten egg to the potatoes ensures they bake up golden and delicious, with an irresistible richness. The filling benefits from the depth that dry red wine and Worcestershire sauce bring, creating a complex, well-rounded flavor that sings of comfort.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty and satisfying meal where every forkful is a delight. You'll experience the tender, flavorful meat and vegetable gravy beneath a cloud of perfectly creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. The flavors are savory and rich, with just enough tang and umami to keep you coming back for more. It’s a classic for a reason, and this version elevates it to a truly memorable dish, designed to be both comforting and impressive.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. You can easily swap out the lean ground beef for ground lamb to lean into a more traditional Shepherd's Pie flavor. Feel free to use your favorite mix of frozen vegetables, though peas, carrots, and corn are excellent choices. If you don't have red wine on hand, an equal amount of extra beef broth can work, though you'll miss some of the depth.
Serving & Context
This comforting Shepherd’s Pie is ideal for a cozy family dinner or as a centerpiece for a relaxed weekend meal with friends. Serve it hot from the oven, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of brightness and color. It’s a complete meal in itself, requiring little else to round it out.