Shepherd's Pie

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Mar 1, 2023

4.3

52 Ratings

preview for Shepherd's Pie Is The Definition Of Comfort Food

In our book, shepherd's pie is the ultimate comfort food. Filled with plenty of veggies, creamy mashed potatoes and an irresistible beef filling, this warming meal combines your sides + main all into one bowl of cozy goodness. While our beef-filled version strays slightly from the traditional recipe, this recipe can be fully customized based on what a perfect shepherd's pie means to you. Ready to dive in? Keep reading for all of our top tips & tricks on making this extra-comforting winter dinner.

What is traditional shepherd's pie made of?
Actually, because of the filling, this recipe should really be called a cottage pie. In England, the birthplace of this classic dish, a traditional shepherd's pie is most often made with a ground lamb filling. The States' version swaps out the lamb for ground beef; both versions are delicious, and can be swapped out with your protein of choice!

Variations:
— Looking for low-carb or vegan? Check out our cauliflower shepherd's pie for a spud-less, lower-carb version, or our vegan shepherd's pie for a meatless version of this classic.
— Switch up the veggies. Try any of your favorite veggie combinations here and add them in with the onions in step 3. Parsnips and pumpkin are wonderful in the wintertime, or peppers and green beans if it's summer! If they're quick-cooking and super tender, like spinach, you can wait to fold them in at step 4.
— Make it traditional. Looking to go classic? Lamb can easily be subbed into this recipe following the same instructions.

What should I serve with shepherd's pie?
Because of the veggies, mashed potatoes, AND beef filling, this hearty dish is ideal comfort food all on its own. But, it also pairs perfectly with simple veggie side dishes (like our braised cabbage or roasted parsnips) or a light and refreshing salad to add a contrasting green crunch to the warming meal./p>

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the mashed potato topping and the filling up to 2 days in advance. We recommend waiting to assemble until right before baking to help prevent the potatoes from drying out and to keep the layers distinct.

Storage and freezing.
Kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep 3 to 5 days. Large portions can be reheated in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm. If you'd like to freeze your shepherd's pie, simply wait for it to cool, then wrap in aluminum foil and store in the freezer for around 3 months.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

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Yields:: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 20 mins
Total Time:: 1 hr 25 mins
Cal/Serv:: 563

Ingredients

For potatoes

1 1/2 lb.
potatoes, peeled
Kosher salt
4 tbsp.
melted butter
1/4 c.
milk
1/4 c.
sour cream
Freshly ground black pepper

For beef mixture

1 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
1
large onion, chopped
2
carrots, peeled and chopped
2
cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp.
fresh thyme
1 1/2 lb.
ground beef
1 c.
frozen peas
1 c.
frozen corn
2 tbsp.
all-purpose flour
2/3 c.
low-sodium chicken broth
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Serves 8)

Calories422 Fat27 gSaturated fat11 gTrans fat1 gCholesterol80 mgSodium670 mgCarbohydrates23 gFiber4 gSugar4 gProtein19 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium68 mgIron3 mgPotassium798 mg

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. Make mashed potatoes: In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until totally soft, 16 to 18 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
2. Step 2Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until smooth. Add melted butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash together until fully incorporated, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3Make beef mixture: In a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrots, garlic, and thyme and cook until fragrant and softened, 5 minutes. Add ground beef, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes more. Drain fat.
4. Step 4Stir in frozen peas and corn and cook until warmed through, 3 minutes more.
5. Step 5Sprinkle meat with flour and stir to evenly distribute. Cook 1 minute more and add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let mixture thicken slightly, 5 minutes.
6. Step 6Top beef mixture with an even layer of mashed potatoes and bake until there is very little liquid visible and mashed potatoes are golden, about 20 minutes. Broil if desired.
7. Step 7Garnish with parsley before serving.

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ETHAN CALABRESE

Lena Abraham

Contributor

Lena Abraham is a freelance contributor with Delish, and was formerly Senior Food Editor, where she developed and styled recipes for video and photo, and also stayed on top of current food trends. She’s been working in the food industry for over 10 years, and will argue that the best fish tacos in the world are made in New York. Don’t @ her.