Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a warm, hearty meal that wraps you in comfort. That’s exactly what you get with this Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie. This classic dish is more than just food; it’s a hug on a plate. It brings together ground meat, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into one glorious casserole. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need some comforting food, this Shepherd’s Pie will have you feeling all cozy inside.

The Comfort of Classic Flavors

Shepherd’s Pie has been a favorite for generations. It brings together classic flavors that remind you of home. The rich, savory meat filling pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes on top. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make, which makes it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shepherd’s Pie

Prepare the Meat Filling

To start, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Heat it over medium-high for about 2 minutes. Now, it’s time to add the chopped onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn slightly translucent.

Next, add the 1 pound of ground beef or lamb. Break it apart gently with a wooden spoon. As it cooks, sprinkle in the dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is browned. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir well, and let it cook for another minute.

Now, incorporate 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Make sure there are no clumps left in the mixture. Slowly pour in 1 cup of beef broth, along with the 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots and the 1/2 cup of frozen corn. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Once done, set it aside and preheat your oven to 400°F.

Create the Potato Topping

While the meat filling is simmering, let’s prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the diced potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once they’re soft, drain them in a colander and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for about 1 minute to evaporate excess water. Now, add 8 tablespoons of butter, 1/3 cup of half & half, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the potatoes. Mash and stir until everything is creamy. Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese until it’s well mixed.

Assemble the Casserole

Grab a 9×9 (or 7×11) inch baking dish. Pour the meat mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Now, take the creamy mashed potatoes and spoon them over the meat filling. Smooth them into an even layer. If your dish is too full, don’t worry! Just place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow.

Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and let it bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Once it’s golden and bubbly, take it out and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips For Success

To make this dish even better, here are some helpful tips:

• Fresh Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for a more robust flavor. It makes a big difference!
• Let it Cool: Allow the meat filling to cool slightly before adding the potato topping. This helps prevent the layers from mixing together.

Proper Storage

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Variations

You can get creative with your Shepherd’s Pie! Here are some fun ideas:

• Meat Options: Substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Veggies: Mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Pairing Ideas

To make your meal complete, serve your Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie with a side salad or some crusty bread. A nice glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the pie.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and then assemble right before baking.

Q: Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
A: This recipe contains flour. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the pie and cover it tightly before freezing. You can bake it directly from the freezer, just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What can I use instead of beef broth?
A: Vegetable broth or chicken broth work well as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Learning to make Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is not only satisfying but also a delightful way to bring comfort food to your table. With this guide, you’ll create a warm and hearty dish that inspires sharing and family gatherings. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Greek Meatballs
• One Pot Mac And Cheese
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Easy Chicken Fajitas

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

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This Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, hearty meal that combines ground meat, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onions until translucent.
• Add ground meat and seasonings, cooking until browned.
• Stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic, followed by flour and tomato paste.
• Pour in beef broth, peas, and corn; simmer for 5 minutes.
• Boil diced potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter and seasonings.
• Layer meat mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic for enhanced flavor.
Allow the meat filling to cool slightly before adding the potato topping to prevent mixing.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 650
• Fat: 25
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 35
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 22
• Cholesterol: 80