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- 1 lb ground beef or lamb - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup beef broth For this recipe, I love using ground beef or lamb. Both add rich flavor. The diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots give the dish a nice base. The frozen peas add bright color and sweetness. Beef broth brings all the flavors together. - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) For seasonings, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Dried thyme and rosemary give the dish a homey taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors! The prepared mashed potatoes act as the creamy topping. If you want extra richness, add cheddar cheese on top. This will make your Shepherd's Pie even more tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Gather and measure all ingredients so you have everything ready. - Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it for 6-8 minutes. - Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until soft. - Add diced carrots and continue cooking for 5 minutes. They should start to soften. - Mix in frozen peas and beef broth. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. - Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. - Transfer the meat and vegetable mix to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly. - Spoon prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. Smooth it out with a spatula. - If you want, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes. - Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. - Once done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. - Avoid excess grease from meat: When you cook the ground meat, drain off any fat. This keeps the dish from being greasy and lets the flavors shine. Use a slotted spoon to make this easy. - How to achieve a fluffy potato topping: For fluffy mashed potatoes, whip them well after cooking. If using store-bought, heat them up and whip in a little butter or cream. This adds air and makes them light. Spread the potatoes evenly over the meat. Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. - Best side dishes to pair with Shepherd's Pie: A fresh salad pairs nicely. You could make a simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. A side of crusty bread is also great to soak up the sauce. - Presentation ideas for serving: Serve the Shepherd's Pie in bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving for a nice touch. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Using lamb gives a traditional flavor, but ground beef is a great alternative for a milder taste. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving for a quick meal! Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Customize the Topping: Mix in some sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for a richer, creamier texture. {{image_4}} You can change up your Shepherd's Pie easily. If you want a lighter dish, use turkey or chicken instead of beef. Ground turkey has a mild flavor, making it a great choice. Chicken adds a nice twist, too. Just cook it the same way as beef. For a plant-based option, think about lentils or mushrooms. Lentils give a hearty texture and soak up flavor well. Use cooked lentils in place of meat. Chopped mushrooms add a rich umami taste. Mix them with veggies for a filling meal that everyone will love. Want to boost flavor? Try adding cheese to the filling. A half cup of shredded cheddar mixed in can add creamy richness. It melts well and makes the dish even more comforting. If you like some heat, adjust the spice level with chili flakes. A pinch can bring warmth to the dish. Start small and add more if needed. This tweak can make your Shepherd’s Pie exciting and new! To keep Shepherd’s Pie fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. It can stay good for about three to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Cut the pie into portions and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep the texture nice. If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. Heat a portion for 2-3 minutes. Just remember, the texture might not be as good as the oven method. Enjoy your meal! What is the origin of Shepherd's Pie? Shepherd's Pie comes from England. It dates back to the 18th century. The dish originally used lamb or mutton. Farmers would make it with leftover meat and potatoes. Today, we often use beef instead of lamb. This makes it popular worldwide. Can I make Shepherd's Pie in advance? Yes, you can. Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, layer them in the casserole dish and bake. This saves time on busy days. How can I make mashed potatoes from scratch? To make mashed potatoes, start with 2 pounds of potatoes. Peel and cut them into chunks. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. What is the best way to thicken the filling? The best way to thicken the filling is by simmering it. After adding broth, let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce reduce and get thicker. You can also add a little cornstarch mixed with water if needed. Shepherd's Pie combines simple ingredients for a cozy meal. You learned about the key elements like ground meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes. You also saw helpful tips for making it perfect. Trying variations keeps the dish fresh and exciting. Lastly, I shared how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can enjoy a delicious Shepherd's Pie anytime. Happy cooking!

Cozy Shepherd's Pie Casserole

A comforting casserole made with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for the casserole.
  • Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or lamb. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over (approximately 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and continue cooking for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Add the frozen peas to the mixture, along with the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
  • Prepare the Casserole Dish: Transfer the hearty meat and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly across the base.
  • Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon an even layer of prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture. Use a spatula to smooth it out. If you like a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
  • Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, indicating it’s heated throughout.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Scoop the Shepherd's Pie onto plates or bowls. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad for a complete meal!
Keyword casserole, comfort food, shepherd's pie