Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This appealing shepherds pie recipe transforms ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, carrots and peas in a rich tomato Worcestershire gravy. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and optional cheddar cheese, each bite captivates with hearty flavors and comforting textures. This classic delight is the ultimate comfort food treat for any occasion.

I love making this Best Shepherd’s Pie recipe because it is a warm and filling meal that really satisfies hunger. I start by heating up 2 tbsp olive oil in my pan and cooking 1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef with a medium chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic.

I then add diced carrots along with 1 cup frozen peas, which makes the dish colorful and full of nutrients. Next, I stir in 1 cup beef or lamb broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.

I also season it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Meanwhile, I boil 2 lbs potatoes until tender and mash them with 4 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup milk until smooth.

This dish is not only a best shepherds pie recipe but also a hearty beef dinner known for its cheesy, creamy goodness and balanced nutrition that keeps you fueled for the day.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasonzs. First, it fills my whole house with this amazing smell that instantly makes me feel at home, like a big cozy hug when it gets cold outside. Second, I like how flexible it is – I can use beef or lamb, and even though its simple, it always comes out tasting so good because of the rich, savory gravy and smooth mashed potatoes. Third, making it feels easy and fun; even if I’m not at my best in the kitchen, the steps are straight forward and forgiving, so I always end up with a dish that impresses my family. And lastly, the mix of all those flavors just reminds me of my childhood, making every bite super comforting and nostalgic.

Ingredients

• Ground lamb or beef is rich in protein and adds a hearty savory flavor.
• Olive oil gives a healthy fat kick and helps cookin ingredients evenly.
• Onion and garlic add a sharp, aromatic base that make the dish so much livelier.
• Carrots bring sweetness and vitamin A but they can have slight crunch.
• Frozen peas provide fibre and a pop of green color so theyre tasty and nutritious.
• Potatoes offer comfortin carbohydrates that make the topping creamier and smooth.
• Milk and butter blend to create rich and creamy mashed topping.
• Tomato paste add tang and deeper color, bringing subtle acidity to balance richness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef (use whichever you like)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced small
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped for mashing
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk (add more if it looks too thick)
• Optional: 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese for topping

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and get a large oven-safe skillet ready.

2. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat then add the chopped onion. Let it cook till it’s softened and a bit translucent.

3. Toss in the garlic and diced carrots, cooking them until they start to soften, then add the ground lamb or beef. Brown the meat good, breaking it up into small pieces.

4. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper and stir everything to coat. Let it cook for a couple minutes.

5. Pour in the broth and stir in the thawed peas. Allow the mixture to simmer until the veggies are done and the gravy has thickened slightly.

6. Meanwhile, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot until they are tender, then drain them.

7. Mash the potatoes with all the butter and milk; add a little extra milk if it seems too thick.

8. Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly in the skillet if you haven’t already transfered it to a baking dish.

9. Dollop and then spread the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing it out with a spoon or spatula.

10. If you like, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top before baking. Place the dish in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top gets lightly golden. Enjoy and let it cool a bit before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Large oven safe skillet (for browning meat and veggies)
3. Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
4. Cutting board and chef’s knife (for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes)
5. Measuring spoons and cups (to measure ingredients like olive oil, tomato paste, and broth)
6. Potato masher (to mash the boiled potatoes)
7. Strainer (to drain the potatoes)
8. Spoon or spatula (to stir ingredients, spread mashed potatoes, and smooth out the topping)
9. Optional: Baking dish (if you dont wanna use the skillet for baking)

FAQ

Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Try using ground turkey or chicken in place of lamb or beef if you’re wanting a lighter twist
• If you dont have olive oil, you can use canola oil or vegetable oil without missing out on flavor
• You can swap beef broth with chicken broth or even use veggie broth if that’s what you got handy
• If you dont have tomato paste around, crushed tomatoes or even a bit of ketchup works in a pinch
• For the cheese topping, mozzarella or parmesan can be a fun change instead of cheddar

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to brown your meat really well before adding anything else – it helps bring out a richer flavor in the dish. If you rush this step, you might end up with a bland base.

2. When you’re boiling and mashing the potatoes, try to mash them while they’re still hot and add a bit more milk if needed. Creamier potatoes really make a difference on top of the meat.

3. Taste your gravy before you finish, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. A little extra salt or a dash more Worcestershire sauce can really amp up the flavor.

4. If you’re using the cheddar topping, consider letting it melt and brown a bit for extra texture. Just keep an eye on it in the oven so it doesn’t burn.