The Best Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This shepherd’s pie is cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and steps mean even beginner cooks can nail it.
- Hearty and filling: Layers of savory meat and creamy mashed potatoes keep everyone satisfied.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, so you’ll love having extras!
Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground meat with a rich vegetable medley, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This homemade version is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in the peas, corn, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Notes:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
Large skillet, baking dish, potato masher
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Cuisine:
British
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty dish that combines meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my shepherd’s pie with a crisp side salad and warm, crusty bread—it balances the dish perfectly. The fresh greens add a nice crunch, while the bread soaks up any extra gravy. Trust me, it’s a combo that never disappoints!
Side Salads
A crisp, invigorating side salad can balance the rich, hearty flavors of shepherd’s pie perfectly. I love pairing it with a simple green salad, tossing in fresh lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a revitalizing bite. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle in some crumbled feta or toasted nuts for extra texture. Sometimes, I swap out greens for fruit salads, adding apples, grapes, or berries for a sweet contrast. Pasta salads are another favorite—I mix cooled rotini with olives, peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette. No matter the choice, a salad adds lightness to this comforting meal.
Crusty Bread
While a side salad brings freshness to the table, there’s something undeniably satisfying about serving crusty bread alongside shepherd’s pie. I love how a slice of warm, freshly baked bread complements the rich, savory filling perfectly. When I’m in the mood for something special, I’ll grab artisan loaves from my favorite bakery, but bread baking at home is also a joy. A simple rustic loaf, with its crispy crust and soft center, is surprisingly easy to make. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes the meal feel complete, and I know my family always reaches for seconds.
