This Homemade Shepherd's Pie recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. With a savory blend of ground meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, it's a classic dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. This guide includes variations and tips for making the perfect Shepherd's Pie, including vegetarian options.
Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in peas and carrots, tomato paste, flour, broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, then transfer to a baking dish.
Make the Mashed Potato Topping: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, mashing until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Let the Shepherd's Pie cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute. Gluten-free flour can be used for thickening the gravy.
Make Ahead: The pie can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot throughout.
Keyword Comfort Food, Cottage Pie, Family Dinner, Homemade Meal, Shepherd's Pie