Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Finest
This traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipe brings together tender lamb, hearty vegetables, and a luscious layer of creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. A British classic that satisfies every craving, this dish is ideal for cozy dinners and hearty meals with family and friends.
Recipe Information
| Category | Second Course |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (ground) | 600g |
| Tomato paste | 4 tbsp |
| Peas (fresh or frozen) | 300g |
| White onions | 2 |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery stalks | 2 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme (fresh or dried) | To taste |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | 800ml |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper (ground) | To taste |
| Butter | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Potatoes | 1kg |
| Whole milk | 200ml |
| Butter (for mashed potatoes) | 80g |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Begin by finely chopping the onions and dicing the carrot and celery into small cubes.
- In a large skillet, melt 40g of butter with 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrot, and celery, sautéing for a few minutes until softened and aromatic.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
- Stir in the bay leaves and thyme leaves for a fragrant touch.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to enhance its depth of flavor.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, combining well, then pour in the beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a thick, rich sauce resembling a hearty ragù.
- In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Mashed Potato Topping
- While the filling is cooking, boil the potatoes with their skins in salted water for about 30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and peel them while still warm.
- Pass the potatoes through a ricer or mash them thoroughly.
- Gently fold in the warm milk, butter (80g), and egg yolks. Season the mash with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a creamy and flavorful topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Spread the meat filling evenly into a large baking dish, leveling it with the back of a spoon.
- Using a piping bag with a star nozzle (or a spoon for a rustic look), spread the mashed potatoes over the meat, creating a decorative and even layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are lightly golden and crisp on top.
- For extra browning, turn on the grill during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the pie holds its shape when sliced.
Expert Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the meat filling as it simmers for a richer taste.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the lamb with lentils and the broth with vegetable stock for a plant-based version.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Enjoy this timeless Shepherd’s Pie as the centerpiece of your meal, showcasing a balance of comforting textures and rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
