Simple Shepards Pie
Shepherd’s Pie, a classic dish known for its comforting embrace, is a favorite for over 60% of people seeking the warmth of home-cooked meals. This easy recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a savory meat layer crowned with fluffy, golden-brown mashed potatoes. A twist in preparation not only enhances flavor but also saves kitchen time, making this traditional dish a modern-day favorite.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or lamb: 1 pound (approximately 450g)
- Onions, finely chopped: 1 cup (about 1 large onion)
- Carrots, finely chopped: 1/2 cup (about 2 medium carrots)
- Peas: 1/2 cup (about 75g)
- Mashed potatoes: 4 cups (made from about 2 pounds or 900g of potatoes)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Thyme or Rosemary, finely chopped: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Butter (for mashed potatoes): 4 tablespoons (60g)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional): 1/4 cup finely chopped (about a handful)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in carrots, peas, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Create peaks with a fork for texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for an additional 5 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of comfort food, blending rich flavors and textures into a dish that’s as nourishing for the spirit as it is for the body. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients, when thoughtfully prepared, can create a meal that’s both satisfying and emblematic of home cooking at its best.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 5g