Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe

When it comes to crafting comfort food that warms the soul, nothing beats diving into a bubbling, savory shepherd’s pie, especially when it’s crowned with a layer of golden, melted cheddar bliss!

I enjoy making soothing recipes that really comfort the soul, and this Easy Shepherd’s Pie is one of my very favorites. Ground beef is perfectly seasoned with all the right spices, and heaped alongside it are peas and carrots—yes!—and a rich beef broth that’s really more of a gravy.

If you want an even heartier dish, you can also use a little chopped onion, and I don’t think you’ll find a better topping than creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar melted right into them.

Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fats, enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, contains antioxidants, and provides fiber.
• Garlic: Boosts immune health, lends aromatic depth, rich in flavors.
• Ground Beef or Lamb: Protein-rich, offers savory taste, adds substantial texture.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Colorful veggies, high in vitamins, offer sweetness and crunch.
• Mashed Potatoes: Comforting base, provides carbohydrates, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess and saltiness, provides calcium and protein.

Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make this Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe

1. Set your oven to heat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, which should be chopped, and the garlic, which should be minced, and sauté until the onion is translucent. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

3. In a skillet, add the ground beef or lamb and cook until thoroughly browned, using a spoon to break it up as necessary, for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Combine the meat with the tomato paste by stirring it in.

5. Add the beef broth, along with the Worcestershire sauce and thyme leaves, to the pot. Mix in the frozen peas and carrot blend, and allow it to all blend together on a low-medium heat (simmer) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.

6. Distribute the mixture of meat and vegetables uniformly across the bottom of a baking dish.

7. Spoon the potatoes, which have been put through the ricer, over the meat mixture, spreading them evenly to cover the entire surface.

8. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.

9. Insert the baking dish into the oven that has been set to preheat and bake it for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or thereabouts, until you observe that the cheese has melted and formed a golden layer.

10. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy!

Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Spoon
4. Baking dish
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Garlic press or knife for mincing
8. Potato ricer
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?A: Definitely! Mashed potatoes that are left over are absolutely perfect for using in this recipe.
• Q: Can I substitute the ground meat?You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef or lamb.
• Q: How do I make the dish vegetarian?A: Use a plant-based alternative to ground meat or use lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can indeed ready the meat filling and mashed potatoes beforehand. When it’s time to serve, just put everything together and into the oven.
• Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?You can use soy sauce or tamari in its place for a comparable flavor.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Put any remaining food in an airtight box in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to three days. After that, you’re asking for stinky leftovers. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving; don’t ruin perfectly good food by eating it cold.
• Q: Can I freeze the shepherd’s pie?A: Yes, you can freeze it either prior to or post baking. Ensure it is wrapped properly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Olive oil: Use melted butter or vegetable oil instead.
Peas and carrots mix: Substitute another mixed vegetable blend or fresh/diced vegetables like bell peppers and corn.
Broth made from beef: Use chicken or vegetable broth if that’s what you like.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese as alternatives.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding a bay leaf to the beef mixture while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor. Remove it before transferring to the baking dish.