Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. This hearty dish features a savory beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. With a rich, flavorful gravy and tender veggies like carrots, peas, and celery, this classic recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you make it with beef or lentils for a vegetarian version, this Shepherd’s Pie is a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 377 kcal

Ingredients:

• For the meat & vegetables:
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (or 2 cups lentils for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
• For the gravy/filling:
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground paprika
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp white flour
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ⅓ cup red wine (or beef broth)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • ½ tsp finely chopped thyme
  • 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary
• For the topping:
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or leftover)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat & Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, then add garlic, onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
2. Season & Deglaze: Add salt, paprika, pepper, and flour. Stir for 2 minutes, then mix in tomato paste and cook until fragrant. Pour in red wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
3. Finish the Filling: Stir in beef broth, peas, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, then cool in a baking dish.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Make your favorite mashed potatoes (about 4 cups needed). Spread the potatoes over the meat filling in the baking dish.
5. Bake the Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling, criss-cross with a fork for a crispy finish, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Notes:

• Use dry red wine for depth, or replace with more broth.
• Vegetarian option: Swap beef for lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Low-carb option: Use mashed cauliflower with egg yolk instead of potatoes.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal with this savory and satisfying Homemade Shepherd’s Pie!