Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite.

• Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for a fuss-free meal.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish featuring a rich, savory filling of ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet, cook meat until browned. Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and broth. Simmer until thickened.
5. Spread meat mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 25 minutes until golden.

Notes:

• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Add cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra richness.

Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Nutrition

This classic shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish, packed with nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I make shepherd’s pie, I love pairing it with fresh vegetable side dishes, like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad, to balance the richness. A slice of warm, crusty bread is also a must for soaking up every last bit of that savory filling. These simple additions make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Though shepherd’s pie is hearty on its own, I love rounding out the meal with fresh, colorful veggies to balance the richness. My go-to vegetable pairings are crisp green beans, roasted carrots, or a tangy kale salad—each adding texture and brightness. For seasoning choices, I keep it simple: a sprinkle of salt, a dash of garlic powder, or a drizzle of lemon juice. Steamed broccoli with a pinch of red pepper flakes also works wonders. These sides don’t overpower the pie but complement it perfectly, making every bite feel well-rounded and satisfying. Trust me, your plate’ll thank you.

Crusty Bread Options

Pairing shepherd’s pie with the right crusty bread can take the meal to a whole new level. I’ve found that the best bread for this hearty dish is something with a sturdy crust and soft interior, like a classic baguette or sourdough. Toast options also work wonders—lightly buttered and toasted for a bit of crunch. One of my favorite tricks is to rub a slice of toasted bread with garlic for extra flavor. It’s simple but makes a big difference. Trust me, the combo of creamy shepherd’s pie and warm, crusty bread is unbeatable!