Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British recipe consisting of a savory meat filling topped with mashed potatoes. Typically made with ground beef or lamb, onions, carrots, and sometimes peas, it originates from rural England and Ireland, where farmers used available meats and root vegetables to create nourishing, one-dish meals.

The technique involves cooking the meat and vegetables in a flavorful gravy, then spreading a layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top. Baking until the topping is golden and slightly crisp seals in the flavors. This preparation reflects centuries-old methods of combining protein and starch into a hearty, structured dish.

MeatBeefLamb

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 45 min

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 6 servings

A plate of shepherd's pie.

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lb. potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) butter
  • ½ tsp. salt

Meat and Gravy

  • 1 lb. ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1½ cups beef stock
  • 2 tsp. fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp. fresh rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 4 Tbsp. (¼ cup) worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup frozen peas (or corn)

Instructions

  1. 1.
    Boil cubed potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender.
  2. 2.
    When potatoes are finished, pass through a ricer into a large mixing bowl.
  3. 3.
    Using an electric mixer, combine riced potatoes, butter, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  4. 4.
    Preheat the overn to 400°F.
  5. 5.
    Add the ground meat to a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. 6.
    Once the meat is browned on one side, turn the meat.
  7. 7.
    When the meat is browned on both sides, break up the meat and season with salt and pepper.
  8. 8.
    Add onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until vegetables begin to soften (3-5 minutes).
  9. 9.
    Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, then sauté for 1 minute.
  10. 10.
    Sprinkle flour over the meat and sauté until flour is cooked, about 1 minute.
  11. 11.
    Add tomato paste.
  12. 12.
    Deglaze the pan with ½ cup of beef stock.
  13. 13.
    Add the remaining cup of beef stock and the Worcestershire sauce.
  14. 14.
    Add frozen peas.
  15. 15.
    Salt and pepper to taste.
  16. 16.
    Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  17. 17.
    Let the meat cool for a bit. Leave meat in the skillet or transfer to a 9x9 baking dish.
  18. 18.
    Top with mashed potatoes using a piping bag or spatula. If spreading with a spatula, scrape a fork across the top to make ridges to brown. Make sure to seal the potatoes around the edge of the baking dish to minimize leaking in the oven.
  19. 19.
    Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking tray to catch any overflow and bake in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown.