Let us make the Easy Shepherd’s Pie. Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people all over the world. This dish is mouth-watering, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can make this delicious meal in no time. Now we will discuss how to make an easy shepherd’s pie recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie
Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie are both classic savory pies that originated in the United Kingdom, and they have many similarities. However, there is one key difference that sets them apart. Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with lamb or mutton, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. Both pies typically include vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions, and are topped with mashed potatoes. Regardless of which one you choose, both Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie are delicious comfort foods that are perfect for colder weather.
The Broil Method
All we need are to keep our fillings nice and fluffy and our potatoes creamier. So for this act, I always broil the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before serving which will result in a browned crust and lovely look as well.
Using Store-Bought or Instant Potatoes
Both store-bought and instant potatoes are recommended, whichever is easily available you can use. Store-bought potatoes are the traditional way of making mashed potatoes. They are made by boiling peeled and cubed potatoes until they are soft and then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasoning. Store-bought potatoes can be found in any grocery store, and they come in different varieties, such as russet, red, and gold.
On the other hand, Instant potatoes are a new way of making mashed potatoes. They are made from dehydrated potato flakes that are reconstituted with hot water, milk, and butter. Instant potatoes are available in most grocery stores, and they come in different flavors and varieties.
Make-Ahead Method
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, follow the steps below:
Prepare the Filling
The first step in making shepherd's pie ahead of time is to prepare the filling. This includes cooking the ground meat, adding the vegetables, and seasoning the mixture. You can use beef, lamb, or turkey as the protein source. Saute the meat with onions and garlic until it's cooked through, then add in carrots, peas, and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
The next step is to make the mashed potatoes. You can use either store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes. If you're making your own mashed potatoes, peel and boil the potatoes until they're tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt. Let the mashed potatoes cool down to room temperature.
Assemble the Dish
Once the filling and mashed potatoes are cooled, you can assemble the dish. You'll need a casserole dish that's large enough to fit all the filling and mashed potatoes. Start by spreading the filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, spread the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, making sure to cover the filling completely. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
Cover and Refrigerate
After assembling the dish, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. The shepherd's pie can be refrigerated for up to two days.
Bake the Shepherd's Pie
When you're ready to bake the shepherd's pie, preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the foil or plastic wrap from the casserole dish and place it in the oven. Bake the shepherd's pie for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Storing shepherd's pie is easy and straightforward as long as you follow my suggestions. Make sure to let the shepherd's pie cool down before storing it, use airtight containers or wrap, and label them with the date and contents. Refrigerate the shepherd's pie for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3-4 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat.
Easy Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup yellow onion
- 1 rib celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 Tablespoon flour
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup brown gravy
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes.
- My homemade mashed potato recipe is perfect for this recipe, you’ll make a half batch to end up with 3 cups. While the potatoes boil, prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and celery. Saute for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Increase heat to high. Add the ground beef. Cook and crumbled until cooked through. Drain all excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle in the flour and toss to coat. Add the Tomato Paste and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with the Chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the pan, this adds flavor to the filling.
- Add HALF of the brown gravy. Stir in the vegetables until heated through.
- Season with salt/pepper and add more gravy if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
Assemble
- Transfer to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or 7 x 11 casserole dish. Carefully spread warm mashed potatoes on top.
- Use a fork to “rake” lines into the mashed potatoes.
Broil
- Set the oven rack about 5 inches away from the broiler. Set to a high broil, 550 degrees.
- Broil for about 5 minutes watch it after 2 minutes, it will go from perfectly browned to burned quickly.
- Remove from heat and serve.
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