Description
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and classic dish featuring savory ground beef or lamb cooked with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines tender meat and veggies in a rich sauce, all baked to a golden perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Broth
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Add the finely chopped onions and thinly sliced carrots, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Broth and Peas: Stir in the low-sodium beef broth and the frozen peas. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meat simmers, boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water for approximately 15 minutes until they become tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk or cream until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the mashed potato mixture over the top and smooth it out, creating small peaks or texture with a fork to help crisp the topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic when sautéing the onions and carrots.
- Use lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor; beef is a great alternative if lamb isn’t available.
- You can substitute milk with cream for richer mashed potatoes, or use a milk alternative for a lighter version.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes before baking adds a delicious crusty finish.
