Description
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe offers a warm, comforting, and hearty meal made with savory ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it uses straightforward ingredients to deliver consistent, delicious results and can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk alternative)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (for cheesy topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with warmed milk and butter until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the meat and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned with no pink remaining. Stir in the chopped carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Cook until the vegetables soften and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a baking dish. Dollop the mashed potatoes on top and carefully spread to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create texture on the surface for a classic look. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- Bake until golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled shepherd’s pie for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is lightly golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy mashed potatoes.
- Do not overmix mashed potatoes to avoid a gluey texture—mash gently until smooth.
- Brown the meat well to add flavor and prevent a watery filling.
- Simmer with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to help the filling thicken.
- Let the pie rest slightly before serving to set and slice neatly.
- For a cheesy crust, sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan on the potatoes before baking.
- For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling.
- Vegetarian or vegan options can use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat and plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, easy shepherd's pie, ground lamb recipe, comfort food, family dinner, gluten free, hearty meal, mashed potato topping