Ultimate comfort food: The perfect shepherd’s pie recipe
Don't like standing over the stove every day? This dish will definitely make your life easier. The classic shepherd’s pie is a simple yet hearty way to create a homemade meal that can be prepared once and enjoyed for several days. The combination of creamy potatoes, juicy meat, and aromatic sauce will have you reaching for this meal again and again.
Shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, originates from British cuisine and was initially a way to use up leftover meat and potatoes. The traditional recipe calls for ground lamb, which is cooked with vegetables and placed into a casserole dish, then covered with creamy mashed potatoes. However, if you're not a fan of lamb, you can substitute it with ground beef or another meat you prefer. It's worth noting, though, that technically speaking, this version goes by a different name—cottage pie. Regardless of which version you choose, feel free to experiment with additions like peas, celery, or parsnips.
Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie
Though shepherd’s pie seems simple, there are a few tips to keep in mind. It's best to mash the potatoes while they're hot and avoid blending them, so the purée stays fluffy and doesn't become sticky. The meat should be sautéed until browned and then simmered on low heat so the flavors meld better and the filling doesn’t get too watery. I recommend sprinkling grated cheese on top and using the grill function at the end to create a crispy, golden crust that no one can resist.
Ingredients for the meat layer:
- 1.1 lbs of ground meat (traditionally lamb; you can substitute with beef or a beef-pork mix)
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 carrots
- Half a cup of green peas (can be frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Half a cup of broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, pepper
- Herbes de Provence or thyme
Ingredients for the potato layer:
- 1.5–1.75 lbs of potatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons of butter
- About 2 oz of milk or cream
- Salt, pepper
- Optional: grated cheese (e.g., cheddar or parmesan) on top
Preparation method:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water. Drain, add butter and milk, and mash into a smooth purée. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the meat layer: sauté the onion and garlic in a pan, add the grated carrot. After a moment, add the meat and fry until browned. Then add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and spices. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the excess liquid evaporates and the flavors meld well.
- Transfer the meat layer to a casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top. You can smooth them out or create patterns with a fork (they'll brown nicely). If you like, sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (top and bottom heat) for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly browned. At the end, you can broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden crust.
