Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for a hearty dinner. Here’s how to make shepherd’s pie:
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Start by preparing the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots, frozen peas, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk and butter to the pot and mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble the shepherd’s pie, transfer the filling to a large baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling, using a fork to create ridges in the potatoes.
- Bake the shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can make a delicious and comforting shepherd’s pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
If you want to switch things up, you can also experiment with different variations of the classic shepherd’s pie recipe. For example, you can substitute the ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken, or use a combination of different vegetables. You can also add different herbs and spices to the filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to give it a unique flavor.
Another great variation of shepherd’s pie is to use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mashed topping. This adds a delicious sweetness to the dish and is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
Shepherd’s pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try something new, shepherd’s pie is always a delicious and satisfying meal option.