Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish perfect for turning leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. The cheesy mashed potatoes add a delicious twist to the traditional recipe, making it both rich and satisfying. With the addition of herbs like thyme or rosemary, you can elevate the flavor even further.
- Cuisine: British
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Cheesy topping adds an irresistible flavor.
- Adaptable with beef or lamb based on your preference.
- Make-ahead friendly and reheats well.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used for sautéing vegetables; provides flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the vegetables cook evenly without burning.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth; use white onion for a mild flavor.
- 2 carrots, diced: Brings natural sweetness and color to the dish.
- 2-3 stalks celery, diced: Offers subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances overall aroma and flavor complexity.
- Salt, to taste: Used throughout to enhance the taste of the food.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Provides a slight kick and deepens flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated flavor enhancer; adds umami.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef or 2 lbs ground lamb: Main protein; choose lamb for a traditional touch.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami and enhances the meat’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef stock: Provides moisture and layers of savory flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups garden peas or 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Adds sweetness and texture variation.
- 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed: Forms the base of the mashed topping; Yukon Gold recommended.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Essential for creamy mashed potatoes.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the potatoes.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: Provides a cheesy finish; sharp cheddar preferred.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Fill a large saucepan with cold water and season with salt (1-2 teaspoons). Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Drain well and return to the saucepan for mashing. Add butter and cream, mashing until you reach a semi-smooth consistency. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until combined, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking. Stir in the tomato paste until well mixed, then add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, roughly 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up any large pieces.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add Worcestershire sauce and beef stock to the cooked meat, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Just before turning off the heat, mix in the peas. This ensures they remain bright and slightly firm.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Transfer the meat mixture to an oven-proof baking dish, spreading it evenly across the base. Spoon the prepared cheesy mashed potatoes over the meat, spreading them to cover completely. Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes, which will brown beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest briefly before serving to ensure clean slices and a firmer set.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Shepherd’s Pie can be prepared up to the baking stage and refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven until the top is browned and the filling heated through.
What’s a good substitute for beef stock?
Chicken or vegetable stock can work as substitutes for beef stock. Adjust your seasoning accordingly, as these alternatives can alter the dish’s flavor profile slightly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, vegetables like mushrooms or green beans can be added to the meat mixture for additional texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked to tenderness before mixing with the meat.
