How to Make Classic British Shepherd’s Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s one of those hearty meals that seems to hug you from the inside, especially on a cold day. The classic version combines ground lamb with vegetables, all topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes before being baked to perfection. If you’ve never made Shepherd’s Pie before, or if you’re looking to perfect your recipe, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to create a classic British Shepherd’s Pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
First things first, let’s talk about what you’ll need. Here’s a basic list of ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of ground lamb (you can use ground beef for a Cottage Pie)
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup of grated cheese for topping
Instructions
Now onto the fun part — making your Shepherd’s Pie!
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Prepare the Potatoes: Start by making your mashed potato topping. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk to the potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Cook the Filling: While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another couple of minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Assemble Your Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, covering the meat mixture completely. Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potatoes, which will turn nice and golden when baked. If you want, sprinkle some grated cheese over the top for extra flavor.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the edges of the pie are bubbling. If your pie isn’t browning on the top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last couple of minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once your Shepherd’s Pie is beautifully browned, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is fantastic on its own but can also be served with some crusty bread or a light salad.
And there you have it – a delightful British Shepherd’s Pie that’s bound to become a staple in your home. It’s a simple dish that’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to cozy up with some comfort food, Shepherd’s Pie is always a fantastic choice. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
