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Classic Shepherds Pie - A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe

Classic Shepherd’s Pie – A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Shepherd’s pie brings traditional Irish flavors to your dinner table with ground lamb nestled beneath creamy mashed potatoes. Rustic ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that connects you to generations of home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or lamb

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 4 large potatoes, mashed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the comfort dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground meat with finely chopped onions and diced carrots, ensuring a rich caramelized flavor and draining any excess fat.
  3. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating tomato paste, beef broth, and green peas, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop depth through a 10-minute gentle simmer.
  4. Transfer the savory meat mixture into a baking dish, distributing it evenly to create a uniform base layer for the pie.
  5. Carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the meat, creating a smooth, consistent topping that completely covers the filling.
  6. Place the prepared shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown and slightly crispy potato surface.
  7. Once the top achieves a beautiful golden color and the filling is bubbling, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground meat for a healthier version, trimming excess fat before cooking to reduce overall calorie content.
  • Swap traditional beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary restrictions or lighter meal options.
  • Consider adding extra vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
  • Use sweet potato mash instead of regular potatoes for a nutrient-dense twist that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg