Tasty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s pie is an ultimate comfort food dish and who doesn’t love comfort food, right? If you’re nor familiar, shepherd’s pie is basically a casserole dish with layers of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with crispy brown mashed potatoes. Although the dish might look intimidating it’s actually not difficult to make. Please join me in the kitchen as I share this tasty shepherd’s pie recipe.

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish dish, which contains ground lamb. England has a similar dish, which substitutes ground beef instead of lamb and goes by the name of Cottage Pie. I grew up with the Spanish version, which is called Pastel de Carne, which translates to meat pie. They are all slightly different, yet equally delicious. Today we will focus on the classic Irish Shepherd’s Pie.

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Inspiration Behind the Tasty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Like I mentioned, this is an ultimate comfort food classic dish. It’s always delicious and a fan favorite. In honor of the fast approaching St. Patrick’s day holiday this is a great dish to make. I only make this around this time of year but it’s a great hearty meal anytime there’s a hankering for a warm, silky, filling dish.

I grew up with the Spanish “pastel de carne” version, hence why this type of dish has the homey comfort feels for me. The Spanish meat pie version, uses beef and includes hardboiled eggs, green olives and raisins. It has that sweet and savory pull and push, which tickles the taste buds. I will share my mother’s recipe one of these days. If you’re familiar with traditional food from Spain these ingredients won’t seem so weird. I love to cook, and in our home you can always find joie de vivre in our kitchen. It’s a family affair.

Recipe for the Tasty Shepherd’s Pie

Like I mentioned before, traditional Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, but you can substitute beef here if that is your preference. Keep in mind the lamb will infuse a richer flavor profile than beef.

Cooking Pro Tip: The fresher the ingredients are, the better the end result of any dish.   

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground lamb
• 4 cups of mashed potatoes
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 large carrot
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1.32 oz Beef Demi Glace
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• S&P to taste

Tools

• Individual Casseroles

Cooking Pro Tip: Always read a recipe all the way through before starting. Then re-read the recipe and assemble all your ingredients so you are fully prepared, knowing all the things you need (ingredients and tools included).

Instructions

• Read entire recipe and assemble all your ingredients and tools
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Peel and dice onion and carrot
• Heat olive oil in sauté pan over medium heat and add ground meat to brown
• Once meat is browned add onions and sauté until onions are soft
• Drain excess fat
• Add cornstarch and mix well

• Add carrots and corn and mix thoroughly sautéing a couple of minutes
• Add tomato paste, demi glace, Worcestershire, cayenne and S&P
• Mix thoroughly and sauté a few minutes (you are just softening vegetables not necessarily cooking through since they will bake further)

• Taste for flavor and adjust seasonings as desired
• Remove from heat
• Fill bottom of 4 casserole dishes with a 1/4 each of meat and vegetable mixture
• Layer on top of the meat a cup of mashed potatoes

• Bake for 20 minutes
• Broil for 5-10 minutes until potatoes are crispy brown (keep an eye out, you just want a crispy coating)
• Bon Appetit! Enjoy your tasty shepherd’s pie

Recommendations for Making the Tastiest Shepherd’s Pie

The Key Ingredient

I didn’t really know about or understand or use demi glace, until I did. Now I use it as a key ingredient for certain dishes and this would be one of them. I forget what recipe I was making which called for demi glace, which introduced me to this product. The richness and depth of flavor it provides to dishes is amazing.

Many recipes for shepherd’s or cottage pie calls for beef broth. I use demi glace instead and it does not disappoint. Give it a try. This is the one I used this time, but use whatever portion comes in the one you find, which should be approximately the same ounce size. I have included an option in the shopping section for your convenience as well.

Make Ahead Options

Making the best Shepherd’s Pie is not difficult, but it requires a few steps. There’s the meat mixture, the mashed potatoes, the assembly and the baking. That’s why I prefer to use left-over mashed potatoes to alleviate the workload. You could also make the meat mixture ahead of time if desired.

By working ahead you streamline the assembly process. You can also make the whole thing and place the assembled dish in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply place assembled casserole on the counter to come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Cook slightly longer.

Garnishments for a Touch of Freshness

Comfort food tends to be rich and filling, which is the case here. I like to sprinkle a bit of freshness on top of the shepherd’s pie when I serve it. Chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives are great options. Rosemary also pairs well with lamb. Scallions or fresh basil are also great alternatives. The touch if herbaceousness compliments the silkiness of the dish.

A green mixed salad is always a great, refreshing compliment to this dish. A basic green salad is a good compliment for any dish really.

Substitutions are Encouraged

This recipe calls for onions, carrots and corn, which are pretty basic vegetables. Many versions of shepherd’s pie and cottage pie calls for peas, but Mr. M is not a big fan. I thing chopped green beans would also be a good alternative, depending on your preferences and how you eat. Feel free to substitute and adjust to what you and your family prefers.

Some recipes also call for cheese in the mashed potatoes, which is another option. I tend be a food purist, and I find that cheese here adds another layer and flavor profile, which is not necessary for this dish. But you do you.

Fat Adds Flavor

Although you should drain most of the fat once the meat has browned, I recommend leaving a bit behind. The fat adds flavor and with the cornstarch, tomato paste and demi glace, it all forms a moist delicious binding medium for the meat mixture.

Couple More Things

This same dish can be prepared in a serving platter baker, rather than individual crocks. It’s great left over so if you have extra it’s not a bad thing.

My family is a spicy bunch. They like heat in their food, hence the addition of Cayenne pepper. The traditional recipe does not call for this. If you’re not partial to spice, just omit this ingredient. The 1 teaspoon amount gives it a bit of a zing, but it’s not overwhelming. If you like really spicy foods, then you can amp up amount.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you give this recipe a whirl. It’s a perfect dish to celebrate the Irish St. Patrick’s day celebration. By using the simple make ahead suggestions, the meal will come together in no time. Let me know if you give it a try and if you make any substitution.

When you dig in you’ll get a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes, some crispy bits, meat, and vegetables all in one bite. It’s pure comfort food joy!. Bon Appetit. Hope to see you again soon and thank you for being here.

Shop for the Tasty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

• Ground Lamb
• Beef Demi Glace
• Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
• Tomato Paste
• Mini Cocotte Set
• Mini Pie Casseroles

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James Beard

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