Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish originating from the United Kingdom and Ireland. It typically consists of minced meat (traditionally lamb, but beef is also commonly used), cooked with vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes. Here’s a simple recipe for making Shepherd’s Pie:
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes.
- If using, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. This helps thicken the filling.
- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Meanwhile, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes until they are tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a baking dish, spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them to cover the entire surface.
- Use a fork to create decorative patterns on the mashed potatoes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Shepherd’s Pie!
