Savory Shepherd's Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food Bliss
This shepherd's pie recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- - Pot
- masher
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet Potatoes or Yukon Gold for extra richness
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt for boiling
- 1/2 cup Half-and-Half or milk for a lighter option
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter choose salted if preferred
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley or thyme/chives
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper white pepper can be a milder choice
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan optional for dairy-free version
For the Meat Filling
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or turkey/lentils as alternatives
- 1 medium Yellow Onion or shallots for milder flavor
- 2 medium Carrots or parsnips/celery
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Rosemary or dried version in lesser amounts
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Thyme or dried version in lesser amounts
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste or ketchup as quick substitute
- 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine or vegetable broth for non-alcoholic version
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce optional for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
- 1 cup Frozen Corn or fresh veggies when in season
- 1 cup Frozen Peas or fresh veggies when in season
Instructions
How to Make Shepherd's Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Boil russet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked. Transfer to a bowl, leaving drippings.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and carrots for 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and herbs, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and allow it to darken. Add red wine, simmering until reduced, then mix in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, thickening with flour.
- Transfer meat filling into a baking dish, then spread mashed potatoes over the top evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over mashed potatoes. Broil in the oven for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Let shepherd's pie cool for 10 minutes before serving for better slices.
Notes
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.