Easy Shepherd’s Pie: A Simple Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. Originating from the British Isles, this dish is a delightful blend of savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. The history of Shepherd’s Pie dates back to the late 18th century, when it was created as a way to utilize leftover meat, making it not only delicious but also resourceful.

People love Easy Shepherd’s Pie for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes creates a dish that is both filling and comforting. Additionally, its convenience makes it a favorite among busy families, as it can be prepared in advance and easily reheated. Whether served on a chilly evening or at a family gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles and warmth to the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
7. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
8. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and remove from heat.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

1. If you are making mashed potatoes from scratch, peel and chop 4-5 medium-sized potatoes into even chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of milk (or cream for a richer taste), and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Assembling the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), spread the meat filling evenly across the bottom.
3. Using a spatula, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, ensuring an even layer. You can create peaks and valleys in the potatoes for a rustic look, which will brown nicely in the oven.
4. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes for added flavor and a golden crust.

Baking the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
3. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
4. Once done, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the Shepherd’s Pie warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
2. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Leftovers can be

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal that is both simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying. With its layers of savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish brings together flavors and textures that are sure to please the whole family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Shepherd’s Pie with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. You can also experiment with variations by using different types of meat, such as ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option, and adding your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking. We encourage you to try this Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to the dish. Your feedback and photos can inspire others to dive into this delightful recipe, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish, and happy cooking! Print
   

   Easy Shepherd’s Pie: A Simple Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 65 minutes
   • Yield: 6 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic featuring a savory blend of ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a hearty dish that warms the soul.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 medium carrots, diced
   • 1 cup frozen peas
   • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
   • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 cup beef broth
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

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   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
   4. Add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
   5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
   6. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
   7. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
   8. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   9. Add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
   10. If you are making mashed potatoes from scratch, peel and chop 4-5 medium-sized potatoes into even chunks.
   11. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
   12. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
   13. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of milk (or cream for a richer taste), and salt and pepper to taste.
   14. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
   15. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   16. In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), spread the meat filling evenly across the bottom.
   17. Using a spatula, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, ensuring an even layer. You can create peaks and valleys in the potatoes for a rustic look, which will brown nicely in the oven.
   18. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes for added flavor and a golden crust.
   19. Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven.
   20. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
   21. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
   22. Once done, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.

   Notes

   • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
   • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 45 minutes