Description
Sink your fork into this irresistible Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie—fluffy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection over a rich layer of savory ground meat and vegetables. This hearty dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy weeknights or festive family dinners. Packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s also a great choice for easy dinner ideas, cold-weather meals, or anytime you're craving a filling, home-cooked classic. If you're on the hunt for a freezer-friendly easy recipe or timeless food ideas, Shepherd’s Pie is a must-have in your rotation.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
0.5 cup frozen peas
0.5 cup frozen corn (optional)
1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried
0.5 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh minced)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons butter
0.5 cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and carrots, cook for another 3–4 minutes.
3. Add ground meat. Break it up and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over meat, stir, then pour in broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and corn. Remove from heat.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat filling in a 9-inch greased baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes, sealing edges. Texture top with fork.
6. Brush mashed potatoes with melted butter. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil 2–3 minutes for a crisp top. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For fluffier potatoes, use starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet and avoid overmixing.
Simmer the meat mixture until thickened to avoid a soggy base.
Brushing the top with butter before baking enhances browning and adds flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, easy dinner, comfort food, freezer-friendly, classic casserole