Description

This ultimate Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is comfort food at its finest. With savory ground beef or lamb, rich vegetables, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, this dish brings together the best of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a hearty, delicious Shepherd’s Pie that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Potato Topping:

2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” pieces
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed
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 (for garnish)

For the Pie Filling:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef or ground lamb
1 1/2 tsp salt (divided, or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry red wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Topping:

Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash them with the warmed heavy cream, salt, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Stir in the lightly beaten egg to give the potatoes a golden crust when baked. Set aside.

2. Make the Filling:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and brown. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce, then add the broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
Return the cooked meat and vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together.

3. Assemble the Pie:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat and vegetable mixture into an even layer in a baking dish.
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them evenly. Brush the top with melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Notes

You can prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils and vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Calories: 500
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie Recipe, Classic Shepherd’s Pie, Comfort Food Recipe