Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that has been cherished for generations. This classic recipe combines savory ground lamb with a medley of vegetables, all topped with a creamy mashed potato layer. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this delicious and satisfying Shepherd’s Pie step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) ground lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (30g) flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 7 oz (200g) carrots, sliced
- 7 oz (200g) peas, fresh or frozen
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 3.5 lbs (1.5 kg) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (25g) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Cook the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the lamb from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour and Seasonings: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Gradually stir in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced carrots and peas. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine with Lamb: Return the cooked lamb to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, shredded Cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Layer Filling: Transfer the meat filling to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Potato Topping: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out to cover the entire surface. Use a fork to create a textured pattern on the top, which will help it brown nicely.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with your family and friends.
Cooking Notes
- Meat: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, but you can substitute with ground beef if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans to the filling for additional flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese in the mashed potatoes adds a delicious richness, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie? A: Yes, Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Assemble the pie, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Shepherd’s Pie, follow these modifications:
- Potatoes: Replace the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower.
- Thickener: Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour for the meat filling
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic homemade meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
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