Homemade Shepherd's Pie
A comforting casserole made with ground meat and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb Use lamb for a traditional shepherd's pie.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced Ensure they're softened before adding to the mix.
- 2 cups frozen peas Can substitute with corn or green beans.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes Texture should be fluffy.
- 2 tbsp butter Dot on top for added richness.
- Fresh herbs optional, for garnish Chop and sprinkle if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Spread the meat mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
Assembling
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Dot with butter and create a few peaks with a fork for crunch.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Don’t rush the browning of the meat; it adds depth of flavor. If potatoes are too wet, add a little extra butter or a sprinkle of cheese for richness. If you overbake or underbake, it's still dinner!