Shepherd's Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Shepherd's pie is a beloved comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in. This classic recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Let's dive into the details, ensuring your shepherd's pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a good balance of flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings.
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, for cottage pie)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
For the Topping:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked shepherd's pie every time.
Making the Meat Filling:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add liquid and vegetables: Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the peas and corn during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Preparing the Potato Topping:
- Boil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher or electric mixer.
- Add milk and butter: Stir in the milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the meat filling: Pour the meat filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the shepherd's pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground lamb and beef.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it ahead: The meat filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious shepherd's pie hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy!
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