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Cozy Comfort Classic

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Create the ultimate comfort food with layers of seasoned ground meat, vegetables in rich gravy, topped with creamy parmesan mashed potatoes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:38 GMT
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A baked shepherd's pie with a golden, crispy mashed potato topping sprinkled with chopped parsley in a brown dish. Pin it
A baked shepherd's pie with a golden, crispy mashed potato topping sprinkled with chopped parsley in a brown dish. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my favorite comfort food - Shepherd's Pie! This cozy dish combines savory ground meat hearty vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes all in one delicious casserole. It's the perfect way to warm up any evening and always brings smiles to the table.

Perfect Any Time

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you use lamb or beef it's always satisfying and feels special enough for holidays like St. Patrick's Day but easy enough for weeknight dinners. Plus you can prep it ahead which is perfect for busy days.

What You'll Need

  • For the Filling:- Fresh ground beef or lamb- Frozen peas carrots and corn- Warming herbs: parsley thyme rosemary- Chopped onion and garlic- Rich beef broth- Worcestershire sauce- Tomato paste for depth- Flour for thickening
  • For the Topping:- Large potatoes peeled- Good butter- Half & half for richness- Parmesan cheese- Garlic powder and seasonings

Let's Start Cooking

Build the Base:
Soften those onions add garlic until fragrant.
Cook the Meat:
Brown your meat with herbs and seasonings.
Make it Saucy:
Add your liquids flour stir until thick and beautiful.
Add Vegetables:
Mix in those colorful veggies heat through.
Mash with Love:
Create creamy potatoes with butter cheese and seasonings.
Layer it Up:
Meat on bottom potatoes on top smooth it pretty.
Golden Brown:
Bake until bubbly with crispy potato peaks.

Make Life Easy

You can prep everything ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make the filling and potatoes separately or assemble the whole thing. Just let it warm up a bit before baking pure comfort food magic!

A serving of shepherd's pie with a golden, crispy mashed potato topping and finely chopped parsley on top. Pin it
A serving of shepherd's pie with a golden, crispy mashed potato topping and finely chopped parsley on top. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the difference between shepherd's and cottage pie?

Shepherd's pie traditionally uses lamb, cottage pie uses beef. Both work in this recipe.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.

→ Can I freeze this?

Yes, freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

→ Why let it rest after baking?

Resting 15 minutes helps filling set so it doesn't run when served.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, any mixed vegetables work. Keep quantities similar for proper consistency.

Shepherd's Pie

Classic comfort food featuring seasoned ground meat and vegetables in gravy topped with cheesy mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Irish

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 2 tbsp olive oil.
02 1 cup yellow onion, chopped.
03 1 lb 90% lean ground beef or lamb.
04 2 tsp dried parsley.
05 1 tsp dried rosemary.
06 1 tsp dried thyme.
07 1/2 tsp salt.
08 1/2 tsp black pepper.
09 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
10 2 garlic cloves, minced.
11 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
12 2 tbsp tomato paste.
13 1 cup beef broth.
14 1 cup frozen peas & carrots.
15 1/2 cup frozen corn.
16 1 1/2-2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed.
17 8 tbsp unsalted butter.
18 1/3 cup half & half.
19 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
20 1/2 tsp salt.
21 1/4 tsp black pepper.
22 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. Cook onions 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add meat, herbs, salt, pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned.

Step 03

Add Worcestershire and garlic, cook 1 minute.

Step 04

Add flour and tomato paste, stir well.

Step 05

Add broth and vegetables. Simmer 5 minutes.

Step 06

Boil potatoes 10-15 minutes until tender.

Step 07

Drain, return to pot, rest 1 minute.

Step 08

Add butter, half & half, seasonings. Mash well.

Step 09

Stir in parmesan.

Step 10

Heat oven to 400°F.

Step 11

Add meat to 9x9 pan, top with potatoes.

Step 12

Bake 25-30 minutes.

Step 13

Rest 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can use beef or lamb.
  2. Make ahead up to 2 days.
  3. Freezes well.
  4. Rest before serving to set.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • 9x9 baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Potato masher.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 19 g