Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting fall recipe made with layers of savory ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Optional ingredients like mushrooms or cheese can be added for a richer flavor, perfect for cozy autumn nights.

Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup pea
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (use your favorite recipe or instant mashed potatoes)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Method for Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

1. Add diced carrots, peas, and optional mushrooms to the skillet.
2. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

1. While the meat mixture is cooking, prepare your mashed potatoes. You can either use freshly made mashed potatoes or pre-made ones.
2. For extra richness, stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a large baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them out evenly.
4. For a golden top, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the potatoes (optional).

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts for Shepherd’s Pie (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 4g

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food for the fall season. With a savory combination of ground beef or lamb, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings. Adding optional ingredients like mushrooms, cheese, or extra vegetables makes it versatile and even more delicious.