Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This is the best easy shepherd’s pie recipe. Don’t believe me, try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Where Does Shepherd’s Pie Originate From?

Shepherd’s pie originated in the UK and used to describe any meat pie that was mixed with vegetables and covered in mashed potato but now almost exclusively describes a mashed potato meat pie that uses lamb as the meat. Cottage pie describes a meat pie that uses beef as the meat but hey! whatever you call it, shepherd’s pie is quick to make and absolutely delicious.

What Veg Can I Use?

Traditionally onion, carrots and peas are used in a shepherd’s pie but feel free to use any veg you have on hand. Mushrooms and corn are also very popular additions. If you want to make an exclusively vegetarian shepherd’s pie then sub out the meat for chopped mushrooms and add lentils to bulk out the sauce.

How To Make Shepherd’s Pie

• Make you mashed potato. Cook the potatoes in salted water until tender, mash thoroughly and add the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
  
• Brown the minced meat. Sauté the mince in a large pan until browned. Move to a plate for later use. Reserve the fat to sauté the veg.
  
• Sauté the vegetables. In the reserved fat sauté the onion until soft and translucent, add the carrot, celery and garlic and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
  
• Add the meat back to the pan. Add the tomato paste and sauté for 5 minutes. Sprinkle over the flour and stir constantly until everything is coated.
  
• Add the remaining ingredients. Add the red wine, stock, Worcestershire sauce, herbs and frozen peas and simmer for 20 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy.
  
• Assemble. Transfer the sauce to a baking dish and dollop the mashed potato over the top. Smooth over making sure the mash is evenly distributed.
  
  
  
• Time to bake. Place the dish in a pre-heated oven and bake for 2- to 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling around the sides and the top is browned to your liking.
  
  
  
• Service please! Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. No one likes a burnt mouth. Serve with a simple salad and if you really want a carb overload throw in a nice crunchy loaf or home made rolls. Perhaps try my Easy Portuguese Rolls.