Shepherd's Pie Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This Shepherd's Pie Recipe is a delicious, comforting dish! Meat and vegetables and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and baked, it is a favorite any time!

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Total Time55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Robyn Stone

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping:

1 pound Russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 cup butter melted + 2 tablespoons cut into pieces
1/4 cup half and half
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Savory Meat & Vegetable Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion chopped
2 medium carrots peeled and diced
2 stalks celery diced
2 pounds ground lamb or beef or turkey
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Stone House Seasoning
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken stock or broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
1 (14.5-ounce) can English peas drained and rinsed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet.
Make the mashed potatoes: Place potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water + 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well. In the same pot over low heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add warmed half-and-half. Mash potatoes until smooth, then stir in butter mixture, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside—keep fluffy!
Cook the filling: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic for the last minute. Add ground meat; cook until browned (8-10 minutes), breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle flour over meat; stir 1-2 minutes to cook out raw taste. Stir in tomato paste, then broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and peas. Simmer 5-8 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Season to taste. The filling should be saucy but not soupy.
Assemble: Spread filling evenly in baking dish. Dollop mashed potatoes on top, spread to cover completely (optional: use a fork to create ridges for crisp edges). Dot with butter pats.
Bake 20-25 minutes until potatoes are golden and edges bubble. Broil 2-3 minutes for extra browning if desired. Let rest 10 minutes before serving—helps it set!

Notes

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To make ahead. Prepare the Shepherd's Pie all the way without the final 15 minutes of baking. Cover well with foil or wrap, then place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, bake at 350º F to heat throughout, about 25-30 minutes.

To store. Once any leftovers are cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze. Place in an airtight container or wrap well. Store in the freezer for a few weeks to a month. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as recommended.

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