This is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings loved ones together. Ready to try the best Shepherd’s Pie?
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
8 Servings
Table of Contents
The Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a beloved dish from my childhood in Jordan, and it is on my family table today. Inspired by my mother’s version—a blend of ground lamb, onions, and garlic under a golden, crispy mashed potato crust—this recipe embodies the essence of comfort food.
By enhancing the classic with peas, carrots, and a touch of tomato and pepper paste, I’ve crafted a version that has become a family favorite, earning rave reviews at gatherings like Thanksgiving. It’s a dish that feeds and creates warmth, evokes cherished memories, and brings people closer.
As you bring this best Shepherd’s Pie recipe into your kitchen, I hope it fills your home with the same joy and comfort it has brought to mine. Perfect for family dinners, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone content, with plenty of leftovers to enjoy later. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of my heritage that I’m thrilled to share with you.
Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Ingredients
Meat Stuffing:
- Onions and Carrots (Chopped): These vegetables form the base of the stuffing, adding natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Peas (Fresh or Frozen): Peas add a pop of color and a sweet, earthy taste to the meat mixture, adding texture.
- Ground Lamb or Beef: The heart of the shepherd’s Pie. Lamb offers a traditional, rich flavor, while beef provides a familiar and hearty alternative.
- Garlic (Minced, about seven cloves): Garlic lends a pungent, aromatic depth, enhancing the stuffing’s overall savoriness.
- Red Pepper Paste (Optional): Adds a hint of heat and a vibrant color, giving the dish a subtle complexity.
- Cumin: This spice imparts a warm, earthy note, complementing the meat’s robust flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Fresh Thyme (or one teaspoon of dry thyme): Thyme contributes a slightly minty, subtly earthy flavor that perfectly complements the meat.
- Broth: Adds moisture and richness, infusing the stuffing with a savory, meaty flavor.
- Flour: Helps thicken the stuffing, ensuring a rich, cohesive filling.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity undertone.
The Potato Topping:
- Yukon Gold or Golden Potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for mashing, offering a buttery, creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety consistency to the mashed potatoes.
- Cream or Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the potatoes, making them soft and fluffy.
- Garlic (Minced, three cloves): Garlic in the potato topping echoes the flavors from the meat stuffing, tying the dish together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the potatoes to taste, balancing the creamy flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a mild, slightly peppery taste, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish
Shepherd’s Pie Substitutes and Variations
Shepherd’s Pie is a wonderfully versatile dish that adapts beautifully to your preferences and dietary needs. Experimenting with ingredients and flavors can help you craft your perfect version of this beloved comfort food. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie: Replace the ground meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan option. Incorporate hearty vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and green beans for a filling, plant-based twist.
- Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: Swap traditional mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and vibrant alternative. The sweetness complements the savory filling beautifully.
- Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Use leftover turkey by substituting it for ground meat. This variation is perfect for post-holiday meals and adds a unique twist.
- Guinness Shepherd’s Pie: Elevate your filling by replacing beef broth with Guinness beer. The beer’s rich, malty flavors add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Shepherd’s Pie with Cheese: Take the classic recipe up a notch by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato crust before baking. It’s a cheesy delight that’s hard to resist!
- Lamb Shepherd’s Pie: Use ground lamb instead of beef for a traditional UK-inspired version. This classic ingredient imparts an authentic and rich flavor to your Shepherd’s Pie.
Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes for Shepherd’s Pie
Enhance your Shepherd’s Pie experience with side dishes that complement its rich and hearty flavors:
- Fattoush Salad: A light Middle Eastern salad with crisp lettuce, herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. Its refreshing taste balances the savory depth of Shepherd’s Pie.
- Cucumber Yogurt Salad: This delightful mix of cool cucumbers and creamy yogurt flavored with garlic and dill adds a refreshing contrast to the warm richness of Shepherd’s Pie.
- Sicilian Scaccia Bread: This savory rolled bread is filled with cheese, herbs, and spices. It’s crispy and cheesy and pairs beautifully with the meaty layers of the Pie.
- Grilled Asparagus: Simple yet flavorful, grilled asparagus brings a smoky note and a pop of color, enhancing the overall meal.
- Tomato Panzanella Salad: This rustic Italian salad features juicy tomatoes and crunchy bread cubes. Its tangy, fresh flavors make it a satisfying complement to Shepherd’s Pie.
How to Make How to Make the Best Shepherd’s Pie Ever
Preparation
1.
Prepare the Potato Topping:
Start by placing the potatoes in a medium-sized pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot to keep warm.
Mark as complete
2.
Cook the Filling:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, and pepper paste, stirring to combine everything evenly. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme, allowing the spices to enhance the flavors. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic, which should take about 10 minutes.
Mark as complete
3.
Add the ground lamb to the pan, using a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the lamb is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the mixture evenly. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring continuously, and let it cook until the mixture thickens into a rich filling, which should take about 5 minutes.
Mark as complete
4.
Make the Potato Topping:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream or milk along with a pinch of salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to warm through. Once heated, pour it over the cooked potatoes and mash them until smooth and creamy using a potato masher.
Mark as complete
5.
Prepare Peas:
Place the peas in a small saucepan and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for about a minute to heat through, then drain and set aside.
Mark as complete
6.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Transfer the prepared meat filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the peas over the meat to create an even layer. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the peas, spreading it to cover the entire surface and sealing the edges. Finally, brush the top with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
Mark as complete
7.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the assembled Shepherd's Pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Mark as complete
8.
Garnish and Serve:
Finish by garnishing the Shepherd's Pie with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Shepherd’s Pie—it’s comfort food at its finest!
Mark as complete
Print & Share This Recipe!
A delicious and comforting classic Shepherd’s Pie that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. Seasoned ground beef, carrots, peas, and onions are topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
8 Servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 1 onion (chopped) | |
| 3 medium size carrots (chopped) | |
| 12 ounces peas (fresh or frozen) | |
| 2 lbs. ground lamb or beef | |
| 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 7 cloves) | |
| 12 oz can of tomato paste | |
| 1 tablespoon pepper paste, optional (can substitute ketchup mixed with chili flakes) | |
| 1 tablespoon salt | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin | |
| ½ teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dry thyme | |
| 1 cup broth | |
| 1 ½ tablespoons flour | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil |
Potato Topping:
| 3 lbs. Yukon or golden potatoes (peeled and cut into large cubes) | |
| 4 oz unsalted butter | |
| 1 cup cream or milk | |
| 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves) | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| Chopped parsley for garnish |
Preparation
1
Prepare the Potato Topping:
Start by placing the potatoes in a medium-sized pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot to keep warm.
Start by placing the potatoes in a medium-sized pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot to keep warm.
2
Cook the Filling:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, and pepper paste, stirring to combine everything evenly. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme, allowing the spices to enhance the flavors. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic, which should take about 10 minutes.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, and pepper paste, stirring to combine everything evenly. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme, allowing the spices to enhance the flavors. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic, which should take about 10 minutes.
3
Add the ground lamb to the pan, using a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the lamb is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the mixture evenly. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring continuously, and let it cook until the mixture thickens into a rich filling, which should take about 5 minutes.
4
Make the Potato Topping:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream or milk along with a pinch of salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to warm through. Once heated, pour it over the cooked potatoes and mash them until smooth and creamy using a potato masher.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream or milk along with a pinch of salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to warm through. Once heated, pour it over the cooked potatoes and mash them until smooth and creamy using a potato masher.
5
Prepare Peas:
Place the peas in a small saucepan and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for about a minute to heat through, then drain and set aside.
Place the peas in a small saucepan and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for about a minute to heat through, then drain and set aside.
6
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Transfer the prepared meat filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the peas over the meat to create an even layer. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the peas, spreading it to cover the entire surface and sealing the edges. Finally, brush the top with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
Transfer the prepared meat filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the peas over the meat to create an even layer. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the peas, spreading it to cover the entire surface and sealing the edges. Finally, brush the top with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
7
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the assembled Shepherd's Pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the assembled Shepherd's Pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
8
Garnish and Serve:
Finish by garnishing the Shepherd's Pie with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Shepherd’s Pie—it’s comfort food at its finest!
Finish by garnishing the Shepherd's Pie with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Shepherd’s Pie—it’s comfort food at its finest!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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