Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for the best shepherd’s pie recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This classic dish is comfort food at its finest and is packed with unique flavors. It requires minimal prep time and it is sure to please everyone. The result is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.

The key to making the best shepherd’s pie is in the filling. This consists of ground lamb cooked together with onions, garlic celery, carrots, and peas, then simmered in a thick gravy sauce made from homemade stock, Worcestershire sauce, and a couple of warm spices and herbs.

The filling is then spooned into a baking dish, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown. Whether you’re serving this for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, I guarantee that this easy shepherd’s pie will be a hit.

What is shepherd’s pie?

Shepherd’s pie is a classic British dish that is made with minced lamb, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping. The term is believed to have originated in the late 18th century in England. At that time, the dish was made with lamb or mutton and was typically called “cottage pie” or “peasant pie.” It wasn’t until the 1870s that the dish began to be referred to as shepherd’s pie. The name likely came about because the dish was a popular way for shepherds to use up leftover meat and vegetables.

Today, shepherd’s pies are still traditionally made with lamb, but these days you can find other versions made with ground beef, chicken, pork, and even fish. It is considered a comfort food and is often served during the colder months. Vegetarian versions are also popular too. This dish can be easily adaptable to different dietary needs.

Shepherd’s pie vs cottage pie

Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish made with ground lamb, whereas cottage pie is made with ground beef. Cottage pie was originally made with leftover meat and vegetables, hence the name “cottage” pie, as it was a peasant dish.

Both pies are traditionally made with a mashed potato topping. The only main difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie is the type of meat used. Aside from that, the rest of the ingredients in both pies are fairly similar. These include ingredients like carrots, peas, onions, and gravy. So, whether you prefer lamb or beef, one thing is for sure – this dish is comforting and delicious!

Shepherd’s pie ingredients

  • 1.5 lb ground lamb
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mashed potatoes topping ingredients

  • 6 large potatoes (Russets potatoes, or Yukon golds,
  • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, or more as needed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp of black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Ingredients for best shepherd's pie recipe
Ingredients for making shepherd’s pie

How to make the best shepherd’s pie recipe

Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces– Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces and give them a quick rinse to remove dirt. Place the potatoes in a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon of salt and bring them to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes until they are soft enough to mash.

Make sure to drain all the water from the potatoes before mashing them
Make sure to drain all the water from the potatoes before mashing them

Make the mashed potatoes– Drain the potatoes from the cooking water and leave them to sit in the sink for a few minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mash using a potato masher or ricer.

How to mash potatoes for best shepherd's pie recipe
Mashing the cooked potatoes

Season the mashed potatoes– Add soft butter, warm milk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to the potatoes and continue to mash until the potatoes have absorbed everything. Stir in sour cream and mix until you have the desired consistency. Cover and set aside.

Mashed potatoes for making the best shepherd's pie crust
Mashed potatoes for making the best shepherd’s pie recipe

Make the meat filling– Heat some oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add chopped onions and carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add diced celery sticks and minced garlic, stir and cook for 3 minutes or until they are softened.

Cooking mixed vegetables for best shepherd's pie recipe
Cooking mixed vegetables for the pie filling

Cook the lamb mince and add seasoning it– Add the minced lamb, break up the bigger lumps with a spatula, add tomato paste, and season it with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.

Adding ingredients to the minced lamb for best shepherd's pie recipe
Adding ingredients to minced lamb for best shepherd’s pie recipe

Add more veggies-Add frozen peas and meat stock to it, and stir to combine. Add more seasonings to the content. Go in with 2tsp of Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and freshly chopped rosemary. Add the beef stock and mix to combine. Cover and simmer the meat for 10 minutes on medium heat. Meanwhile, make sure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit you are cooking the meat sauce.

Add fresh herbs to shepherd's pie filling to improve the taste
Add fresh herbs to the pie filling to improve the taste

Make a slurry– Dissolve 2 tbsp of flour and add to it and stir immediately. The slurry helps to thicken the meat sauce nicely. Cook for an extra 2 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat once it is thick and rest it for a minute for the steam to reduce.

Juicy ground lamb filling for best shepherd's pie recipe
Juicy ground lamb filling which serves as a base for the casserole

Assemble the shepherd’s pie– Pour the lamb mixture into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Scoop the mashed potatoes on top of the lamb mixture. Gently level it out evenly with a spoon. Use a fork to create ridges on the potatoes to beautify the pie but you can simply leave the top plain.

How to assemble shepherd's pie
Assembling of shepherd’s pie in the casserole dish
The process of making shepherds pie recipe
Adding mashed potato topping to the meat filling to form the crust
How to make the best shepherd's pie recipe
You can make some beautiful designs with a fork on top of the crust or simply leave it plain if you want

Bake– Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. It is ready once the top is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Best shepherds pie recipe with ground lamb
Best shepherds pie recipe with ground lamb
How to make the best shepherd's pie recipe at home
Shepherd’s pie is ready to serve

Tips for making the best shepherds pie recipe

When it comes to this easy shepherd’s pie recipe, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your dish is delicious.

  • First, be sure to use fresh ingredients– This will make all the difference in the flavor of your pie.
  • Cook the meat and vegetables until they are tender but not mushy– Overcooking them will result in a soggy and unappetizing pie.
  • Use quality meat– Freshly ground lamb will yield the best flavor. If you are using frozen ground meat, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to save extra time.
  • Don’t be afraid to make use of different herbs and spices– The key is to season the mixture well so that the flavors meld together nicely. A little bit of this or that seasoning can elevate the flavors in your shepherd’s pie and make it taste really special.
  • Use a different combination of veggies- This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, so don’t be afraid to add in things like diced carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or mushrooms.
  • Be careful not to overcook the potatoes– Mashed potatoes are often used as the topping for shepherd’s pie. When preparing them, be sure not to overcook them or they will become mushy and difficult to spread over the top of the shepherd’s pie filling.
  • Use a good quality beef broth for the gravy– This will add richness and depth of flavor that really makes the dish shine.
  • Let the pie cool slightly before serving– This dish is best served warm, not while it is piping hot. So, resting it for a while will allow the flavors to develop and help set the pie nicely.

Sides for shepherd’s pie

  1. Roasted vegetables– This is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables that you have on hand. Try serving it with roasted carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and onions for a hearty and healthy meal.
  2. Crusty bread– This is also delicious when served with crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up all of the flavorful juices and gravy from the pie.
  3. Salad– A freshly made salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of shepherd’s pie.
  4. Green beans- A simple side of green beans goes well with this dish. You can also use other steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower if you prefer those.
  5. Mac and cheese– You can try serving your homemade shepherd’s pie with a side of macaroni and cheese. These two dishes go great together and make for a delicious and hearty meal.
  6. Yorkshire pudding– Shepherd’s pie and Yorkshire pudding are often served together as a delicious and traditional English meal. The savory flavors of this pie complement the slight sweetness of the Yorkshire pudding.

Can you freeze shepherd’s pie?

To freeze shepherd’s pie, first, make sure it has cooled completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish with a cling film and aluminum foil and secure it tightly with a rubber band. Label the dish with the date before putting it into the freezer. This can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat your pie, bake it frozen in the preheated oven at 350F/180C for 30 minutes or until heated through,

What is traditional shepherd’s pie made of?

Traditional shepherd's pie recipe

The traditional shepherd’s pie recipe is made with ground lamb (or mutton), vegetables (usually peas, celery, carrots, garlic, and onions), and a mashed potato topping. The pie is typically baked in an oven until the potatoes are golden brown. The ingredients in this pie can vary depending on the region or personal preference.

Some recipes also call for sweet corn, rosemary, tomato paste, red wine, and Worcester sauce to be added to the filling for extra flavor. Others may like to top the pie with cheese, breadcrumbs, or even two layers of mashed potatoes both at the bottom and at the top.

How do you stop mashed potatoes from sinking shepherd’s pie?

How to stop mashed potatoes from sinking shepherd's pie

Make sure you are using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon golds, these types of potatoes tend to hold their shape even after being mashed. Don’t overcook the potatoes, they should be soft, but not falling apart. Gradually stir in milk into the potatoes after adding the rest of the ingredients and stop adding it once you have a thick creamy consistency. You don’t want the mashed potatoes to become runny.

If after mashing your potatoes, the mixture appears runny, try adding some grated cheese or bread crumbs to the mixture and stir. This will add some structure to the mashed potatoes and help them hold their shape in the pie.

How can I thicken my shepherd’s pie?

How to thicken shepherd's pie with flour

Cook the shepherd’s pie filling for a long time longer. If you let it cook for an extended period of time, the liquid will evaporate and the overall dish will be thicker.
Another option is to dissolve some flour or cornstarch and add it to the filling while it is still cooking before adding the mashed potatoes on top. This will help thicken up the filling and prevent it from being too runny.

Does shepherd’s pie have a crust?

A classic shepherd’s pie does not have a crust, the dish is made with ground lamb, and vegetables cooked in gravy with mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes are simply spread on top of the meat filling before being baked. However, if you’re looking for a pie with a crust, you can try using puff pastry or biscuit dough as a top layer instead of mashed potatoes on top.

What are the best seasonings for shepherd’s pie?

Best seasonings for shepherd's pie filling

The key to making the best shepherd’s pie recipe is in the seasoning. I have put together a perfect blend of spices that will give your pie that signature savory flavor. Thyme, rosemary, paprika, ground black pepper, and chili pepper. I also included Worcestershire sauce, freshly minced garlic, beef stock, tomato paste, and onions in the gravy. These seasonings are best added to the lamb mince when cooking to get the best result.

Other variations of shepherd’s pie

  • Meat– There are many variations of this pie recipe, but the most popular version is made with ground lamb you can also make the dish with ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken.
  • Vegetables The filling for this easy shepherd’s pie recipe was made with a few diced vegetables, such as carrots, peas, onions, and celery for a pop of color and extra nutrients. However, you can customize the whole dish to your personal taste and use your favorite veggies. You can make use of mushrooms, corn, green beans, and diced potatoes.
  • Use different toppings– You can also make the dish with sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. This gives the pie a sweeter flavor and can be a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes from Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you are looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try using cauliflower mash. It’s creamy, delicious, and just the perfect way to enjoy shepherd’s pie if you’re watching your carb intake.
  • Cheese layer– Another twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie is to top it with a layer of cheese (cheddar cheese or gruyere cheese) before baking. This adds a layer of flavor and makes the dish even more hearty and filling.
  • Try shepherd’s pie with crust– You can even try making this pie with a crust made from puff pastry or with a biscuit crust.
  • Wine– For a fun and festive twist, you can add a bit of Guinness stout to your filling for extra flavor. Some recipes also call for the addition of red wine, and tomato purée.
  • Casserole dish– The pies are typically baked in a pie dish or casserole dish, but you can also make individual pies in muffin tins or make the whole dish from scratch in a cast iron skillet which serves as a one-pot meal. That means you will have few dishes and less cleanup to do later.
  • Vegetarian shepherd’s pie– This version is made with vegetables instead of meat. Commonly used vegetables include potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and more.

Best shepherd’s pie recipe

This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe, it is easy to make and can be on the table in about an hour. When it comes to classic comfort food, shepherd’s pie is hard to beat. This hearty dish is traditionally made with ground lamb but ground beef works just as well.
The meat and the vegetables are typically cooked in a savory gravy sauce and then topped with a layer of creamy mashed potato crust before being baked in the oven. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. So, give it a try!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Ireland
Keyword: Best shepherd’s pie recipe, How to make shepherd’s pie
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: 10-15

Equipment

  • 9×9 Casserole dish
  • Dip pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Medium soup pot for boiling potatoes
  • Potato masher or ricer

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb ground lamb
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • ½ cups frozen peas
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves copped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Mashed potatoes topping ingredients

  • 6 large Yukon gold potatoes, Russet or sweet potatoes can be used
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • cup whole milk, you can add more if needed
  • ½ cup sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

Make the mashed potato toppings

  • Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces- Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces and give them a quick rinse to remove dirt. Place the potatoes in a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon of salt and bring them to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes until they are soft enough to mash.
  • Drain the potatoes from the cooking water and leave them to sit in the sink for a few minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mash using a potato masher or ricer.
  • Add soft butter, warm milk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to the potatoes and continue to mash until the potatoes have absorbed everything. Stir in sour cream and mix until you have the desired consistency. Cover and set aside.

Make the shepherds pie filling

  • Heat some oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add chopped onions and carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add diced celery sticks and minced garlic, stir and cook for 3 minutes or until they are softened
  • Add the minced lamb, break up the bigger lumps with a spatula, add tomato paste, and season it with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine together.
  • Add frozen peas and meat stock to it, and stir to combine. Add more seasonings to the content. Go in with 2tsp of Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and freshly chopped rosemary. Add the beef stock and mix to combine. Cover and simmer the meat for 10 minutes on medium heat. Meanwhile, make sure your oven is preheated to 350F as you are cooking the meat sauce.
  • Dissolve 2 tbsp of flour and add to it and stir immediately. The slurry helps to thicken the meat sauce nicely. Cook for an extra 2 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat once it is thick and rest it for a minute for the steam to reduce.

Assemble the shepherd's pie and bake

  • Pour the lamb mixture into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Scoop the mashed potatoes on top of the lamb mixture. Gently level it out evenly with a spoon. Use a fork to create ridges on the potatoes to beautify the pie but you can simply leave the top plain.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. It is ready once the top is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

How to freeze shepherd’s pie

Assemble the pie as directed in the recipe above, cover the pie tightly with a cling wrap, and further wrap the container with a heavy-duty foil, use a rubber band to secure the foil tightly to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the name and date, then place it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat it, remove from the freezer and thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking as per the recipe instructions. You can also cook your shepherd’s pie from frozen. Simply preheat the oven to 350F and bake as directed.
Have in mind the pie will need an extra 1o to 15 minutes in the oven if baked frozen. Again, be sure to remove any foil or cling wrap before baking.

Make ahead

Shepherd’s pie is the perfect make-ahead meal; you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Simply assemble the pie as directed in the recipe above but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the pie for 25 minutes or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the potatoes are golden brown.

You can even make your shepherd’s pie filling and mashed potatoes up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pie.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating