How To Make Classic Shepherd'S Pie
What is a Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is a classic comfort food dish that originated in the United Kingdom. It consists of a savory filling of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and gravy, which is then topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. Shepherd’s pie is an excellent way to use up leftovers and is sure to please the whole family at dinnertime.
Ingredients
For the filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the mashed potatoes:
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
Making the Filling:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add carrots, celery, oregano, and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and stir in parsley.
6. Transfer filling to a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish and spread into an even layer.
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
7. While the filling is cooking, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
8. Add milk, butter, and salt and pepper, to taste. Mash until creamy and smooth. Stir in chives, if desired.
9. Spread mashed potatoes over the filling in the pie dish.
Baking:
10. Place pie dish on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
12. Enjoy!