This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe delivers a hearty, savory casserole layered with perfectly seasoned meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with golden melted cheddar. Learn how to make shepherd’s pie meat flavorful and rich while keeping this classic dish simple, satisfying, and family-friendly.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is one of the most comforting dinners you can make at home. With savory meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection, this homemade shepherd’s pie recipe brings warmth to any table. Whether you call it homemade shepherds pie, shepherd pie casserole, or even homemade sheppard pie, this dish remains a timeless favorite across American kitchens. Learning how to make shepherd’s pie meat perfectly seasoned and juicy is the key to building deep flavor in every bite. This guide walks you through each step to create a reliable, hearty, and satisfying shepherd’s pie recipe that tastes even better the next day.
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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food Classic
Description
Classic homemade shepherd’s pie with savory ground lamb or beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden.
Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb or beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs potatoes
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Boil potatoes until tender and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese.
2. Cook onion and carrots in olive oil.
3. Add garlic and ground meat, cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, broth and simmer.
5. Add peas.
6. Layer meat in baking dish.
7. Top with mashed potatoes.
8. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Notes
Use lamb for authentic shepherd’s pie.
Let rest before serving for cleaner slices.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground lamb or beef | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Carrots, diced | 2 |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dried rosemary | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Mashed Potato Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes, peeled & cubed | 2 lbs |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cubed potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork tender. Drain well.
Mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in cheddar cheese. Set aside. - 2. Cook the Shepherd’s Pie Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground lamb or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. - 3. Build Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Fold in peas and cook 2 more minutes.
This step is essential when learning how to make shepherd’s pie meat rich and savory. - 4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and smooth evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface. - 5. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly crisp on top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
• For authentic flavor, use ground lamb.
• For a healthy shepherd’s pie dish, use lean ground beef and low-fat milk.
• Let the meat mixture simmer to deepen flavor.
• Score the mashed potatoes with a fork to create crispy peaks.
• Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
This homemade shepherd’s pie recipe combines simple ingredients with rich flavor to create a comforting family favorite. Whether you are searching for how to make a shepherds pie from scratch or want a dependable shepherd pie casserole recipe, this version delivers savory meat, creamy potatoes, and satisfying texture every time.
FAQ
What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie uses lamb, while cottage pie uses beef.
Can I freeze shepherd’s pie recipe?
Yes. Assemble, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
How do I make shepherd’s pie meat more flavorful?
Use herbs like rosemary and thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and simmer in broth.
Is this shepherd’s pie recipe healthy?
Use lean meat and reduced-fat dairy to make a lighter, healthy shepherd’s pie dish.