This Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic, featuring seasoned ground meat and vegetables beneath a creamy mashed potato topping. Not too rich, just perfectly balanced, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring warmth to any dinner table. It’s a great choice for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or when you’re craving hearty comfort food.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility — you can customize the ingredients to fit your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of ground beef, lamb, or a mix of vegetables, this shepherd’s pie will still deliver that satisfying, soul-warming experience. With rich flavors from herbs, spices, and the creamy mashed potatoes, each bite will remind you of cozy nights with loved ones.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef or lamb
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, mixing everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
- While the meat mixture simmers, place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for an extra cheesy layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Homemade Shepherd’s Pie with family and friends — it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone!
This Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for any occasion — whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The tender meat and veggies paired with the smooth, cheesy mashed potatoes make for a flavorful dish everyone will love!