Shepherd's Pie
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
411 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Shepherd's Pie
Description
Shepherd's Pie is a traditional layered casserole made with a seasoned ground meat and vegetable base topped by creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe starts with sautéing onions and browning lean ground beef or lamb, then enriching the mixture with Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and a flour-thickened beef broth. Frozen mixed vegetables are added for texture and nutrition, integrating into the sauce before baking.
The potato topping is made from peeled and boiled russet potatoes blended with heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a smooth and flavorful mash. Spread evenly over the meat filling and baked at 375°F, the topping becomes lightly browned, providing a satisfying contrast to the savory base.
Shepherd's Pie serves well as a main course for 6 to 8 people, with leftovers that reheat nicely. It can be garnished with fresh chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. The classic combination of tender, flavorful meat and creamy potatoes makes it a substantial and approachable meal.
Weighing potatoes ensures consistent topping texture, as sizes vary. Use mixed frozen vegetables containing peas, carrots, corn, and green beans for convenience. The recipe allows starting the meat while potatoes boil to streamline preparation.
Ingredients
Meat filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef lean, or lamb
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed vegetables see note, frozen
Potato topping:
- 2.5 pounds russet potato peeled and cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1/4 cup butter 1/2 stick
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- parsley optional, to taste, fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes. Start the rest of the recipe while they're cooking. Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Don't worry if the meat filling and potatoes aren't quite done at the same time.
- For the meat filling, add the butter to a large skillet and melt over medium-high heat, then add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add the beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, until just browned (about 6-8 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and flour. Cook (stir constantly), for about a minute.
- Add in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid thicken up a bit (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the frozen mixed veggies and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- When the potatoes are almost done, add the cream, butter, garlic, and salt & pepper to a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until the butter has melted and it's warmed through (don't let it boil). Once the potatoes are done (a knife should slide in easily), drain them and add them back to the pot they were cooked in. Pour the saucepan mixture over the potatoes and mash until smooth.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish and then spoon the potatoes over top. Smooth with a rubber spatula (or spoon if that's all you have). You can use a fork to create texture by raking it over the potatoes.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly, then broil for a few minutes (watch it carefully) to brown the potatoes.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Weigh potatoes to get close to 2.5 pounds for the topping for consistent results.
- Mixed frozen vegetables should contain peas, carrots, corn, and green beans for best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated for additional meals.
- Begin cooking the meat filling while potatoes are boiling to save time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 411 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 411kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 78mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 973mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2860IU | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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