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–+ servings

Shepherd's Pie

A cozy, comforting casserole of savory meat and vegetables layered between buttery mashed potatoes and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for chilly nights or meal blessings.
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Course: Main Dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Author: Southern Protea

Ingredients

Potato "Crust"

  • 2½ lb golden potatoes (about 8-10) peeled and diced into half-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Filling

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef or ground lamb, to make it a true shepherd's pie
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tbsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup beef stock (more if you want the filling on the saucy side)
  • ¼ cup red wine optional
  • 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
  • 1 cup cheddar Cheese grated

Instructions

Potato "Crust"

  • Peel and dice the potatoes into half-inch cubes. Boil in a pot of water until tender, then drain and return to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth (or use a hand mixer if preferred). Add the cream, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Filling

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground meat in a bit of oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are softened and golden. Stir in salt, pepper, rosemary, and basil. Add tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, and beef stock (and wine, if using). Let simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the peas and carrots and remove from heat.

Assembling the Pie

  • Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. Spread half the mashed potatoes on the bottom. Spoon the entire meat filling over the top and spread it out evenly. Layer the remaining mashed potatoes over the meat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  • Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve warm with a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • For a true shepherd’s pie, use ground lamb instead of beef.
  • If your potatoes are on the small side or not as starchy, you may want to adjust the cream and seasoning. Taste as you go.