Classic Shepherds Pie a Pub Favourite Made Easy
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving Comfort?
Remember that feeling after a long day? All you want is something warm and satisfying. Honestly, nothing beats a good shepherd's pie recipe for pure comfort.
This isn’t just any ground lamb recipe , it's a hug in a dish.
Brief Overview: From Pub Grub to Your Table
Classic shepherd's pie is more than just food. It has roots in British and Irish cooking. It started as a way to use leftover meat.
This easy shepherd's pie takes about 1. 5 hours and serves 6. Get ready for a taste of british pub food at home.
If you fancy beef instead of lamb, you're looking for a cottage pie recipe .
Main Benefits: Nutrition and Nostalgia
This shepherd's pie is packed with protein and veggies. Perfect for a chilly evening meal. Or when you're just feeling a bit homesick.
What makes this recipe special? The perfect blend of rich, savory filling and fluffy mashed potato topping . It's comfort food recipes at their finest.
Ready to get started? Let's gather the ingredients!
What You'll Need: The Shepherd's Pie Ingredients
- For the Hearty Lamb Filling:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- One chopped onion: About 150g.
- Diced carrots: Around 150g.
- Diced celery: Roughly 100g.
- Ground lamb: 450g.
- Minced garlic: 2 cloves.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon.
- All-purpose flour: 30g.
- Beef broth: 240 ml.
- Frozen peas: 150g.
- Frozen corn: 150g.
- Tomato paste: 30 ml.
- Worcestershire sauce: 15 ml.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- For the Dreamy Mashed Potato Topping:
- Russet potatoes: 900g.
- Milk: 120 ml.
- Unsalted butter: 60g.
- Salt and white pepper to taste.
- Grated cheddar cheese: 30g.
Shepherd's Pie Variations for Every Taste!
Fancy a twist? There are tons of shepherd's pie variations . Try using sweet potatoes for the topping. Or add some chili flakes for a bit of a kick.
Maybe you want to make-ahead of time? This recipe is perfect to make-ahead shepherd's pie and bake later.
Let's get cooking, shall we?
Alright, let's chat about getting your classic shepherd's pie sorted! You know, that dish that just screams comfort food recipes and brings back memories of cozy pubs?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
First things first, let's gather our bits and bobs. No need to panic, this easy shepherd's pie doesn't require a trip to outer space. It's all pretty straightforward.
Main Ingredients for an Awesome Shepherd's Pie
Okay, for the ground lamb recipe part, you'll need 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Don't skimp on quality here.
Then, grab 1 large onion roughly chopped, mind you (that's about 150g ). Then 2 carrots , peeled and diced ( 150g ) are a must.
Also you'll need 2 celery stalks diced too, about ( 100g ). And the star of the show: 1 pound ( 450g ) of ground lamb.
Look for lamb that's not too lean. A little fat adds flavour, innit?
Moving on, we'll need some flavour bombs, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
And for that yummy, thick gravy, 1/4 cup ( 30g ) of all-purpose flour is key. Then you need 1 cup ( 240 ml ) of beef broth and you will need 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of Worcestershire sauce.
Lastly but no less important you'll want to grab 1 cup ( 150g ) each of frozen peas and corn.
They're perfect for that bit of colour and extra veg. Don't forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!
Now, for the mashed potato topping . You'll need 2 pounds ( 900g ) of russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. This is where the magic of a creamy, beautiful mash happens! Also you will need 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) of milk, and 4 tablespoons ( 60g ) of unsalted butter proper butter, not that spreadable stuff.
Season that with salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste. Also 1/4 cup ( 30g ) of grated cheddar cheese, entirely optional, but highly recommended for that golden crust.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town!
Thyme and rosemary are your best mates for that classic british pub food vibe. Worcestershire sauce adds a serious depth of flavour.
If you haven't got any, a splash of soy sauce will do in a pinch. And honestly, don't be shy with the salt and pepper.
It makes all the difference!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
You'll need a large oven safe skillet or Dutch oven. If you haven't got one, a regular skillet and a baking dish will do the trick.
A large saucepan for the potatoes, and a potato masher. Honestly, an electric mixer is great for the mash, but a good old masher works just as well.
Classic Shepherd's Pie: A Pub Favourite Made Easy
Right, let's talk shepherd's pie . Proper comfort food recipes , innit? This classic shepherd's pie is like getting a warm hug from your nan.
..if your nan was a Michelin star chef! This shepherd's pie recipe brings that proper British pub vibe straight to your kitchen.
Ground lamb, tasty gravy, fluffy mashed potato topping ... honestly, what's not to love? It's one of those comfort food recipes that just works .
This easy shepherd's pie recipe will deliver every time.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first: Prep. Chop your onion (approx. 150g), dice those carrots (approx. 150g) and celery (approx. 100g). Get those potatoes peeled and quartered, around 900g should do the trick.
Have your frozen peas and corn (about 150g of each) at the ready. Trust me, it makes the whole thing way easier.
This mise en place will speed up the shepherd's pie recipe .
step-by-step to Shepherd's Pie Glory
Boil those potatoes until they're soft as butter. Drain them and mash with 120 ml milk, 60g butter, salt, and pepper. You can add 30g of cheddar if you fancy it.
Heat 30 ml olive oil in a big skillet. Fry the onion, carrots, and celery until they soften.
Chuck in 450g ground lamb . Brown it properly, drain off the excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy shepherd's pie . This is key for a perfect ground lamb recipe .
Stir in garlic, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 0.5 teaspoon of rosemary, and 30g flour. Cook for 60 seconds .
Slowly whisk in 240 ml beef broth, add 30 ml tomato paste and 15 ml Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until it thickens.
This rich gravy is essential to any great shepherd's pie recipe .
Add the 150g frozen peas and 150g corn. Season like your life depends on it.
Pile the lamb mixture into an oven safe dish and top with your mashed potatoes.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until golden brown. About 1 hour should do it. Let it sit for 10- 15 minutes before serving.
Shepherd's Pie Pro Tips
Browning the lamb in batches gives it a far better flavour. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fork the potato topping before baking.
Those ridges crisp up beautifully. For an even crispier topping, pop it under the grill for the last few minutes, but keep a close eye on it.
And remember to let it rest! You can even make-ahead shepherd's pie : make the filling a day or two before and keep it in the fridge.
Remember, you can always sub in beef and call it cottage pie recipe instead, the beef version, or make use of shepherd's pie variations
Honestly, this easy shepherd's pie is a winner. Give it a bash, and let me know what you think. It's perfect for a cold evening, guaranteed to warm you right up.
And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try some shepherd's pie variations ? The world is your oyster!
Recipe Notes For The Best Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Right then, so you're ready to crack on with this easy shepherd's pie ? Good on ya! Let's have a gander at some extra bits to make sure your classic shepherd's pie is a roaring success.
Here are some things to think about!
Serving Suggestions: Gettin' It On The Plate
Honestly, presentation matters! Plating up this comfort food recipes can be easy. A big ol' scoop in a bowl is always good.
I personally like to add a sprig of rosemary on top. Makes it look proper fancy, you know? As for sides, steamed green beans are spot on.
Or, a nice simple salad with vinaigrette. And let’s not forget a proper pint to wash it down! A good British ale does the trick.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? Ace! For refrigeration, whack your shepherd's pie in an airtight container. It will happily keep for 3-4 days .
If you want to freeze your make-ahead shepherd's pie , make sure it's properly cooled first. Then, portion it out into freezer safe containers.
It'll last for up to 3 months . When reheating, let it defrost properly. Then, pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until piping hot.
Shepherd's Pie Variations: Mix It Up A Bit
Feel like a bit of a twist? No worries! For a dietary adaptation, try using lentils instead of lamb. Boom, vegetarian shepherd's pie variations ! You could also swap out some of the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes.
It makes the mashed potato topping a bit sweeter and adds a lovely colour.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each serving clocks in around 450 calories . You’re looking at roughly 25g protein , 20g fat , and 40g carbohydrates .
It's also got a decent dose of fibre, around 5g . Now, these are just rough figures, mind. They depend on what you chuck in.
But, hey, it's packed with protein and some good veggies.
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your ground lamb recipe shine. Get stuck in and don't be afraid to experiment.
Remember, cooking should be fun. You've got this! Enjoy every mouthful of your proper British pub food (or cottage pie recipe , if you used beef)!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shepherd's Pie ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee, you see!
Absolutely! The lamb filling for the Shepherd's Pie can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just assemble the pie with the mashed potato topping and bake when you're ready. This is a great way to break up the cooking process if you're short on time during the week.
My Shepherd's Pie filling is a bit watery. How can I thicken it up?
A watery filling is a common issue, but easily fixed! Make sure you drain any excess fat after browning the lamb. You can also whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering filling. Let it cook for a few minutes until thickened.
Another trick is to simmer the filling uncovered for longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate naturally.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Shepherd's Pie? My other half doesn't eat meat.
Definitely! For a vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, simply substitute the ground lamb with lentils, crumbled firm tofu, or a vegetarian mince alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or butternut squash to bulk up the filling and add extra flavour. It's a cracking good way to enjoy a meat free version of this classic dish!
How long does Shepherd's Pie last in the fridge, and can I freeze it? I always make too much!
Cooked Shepherd's Pie will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and bubbly, around 30-40 minutes.
Can I use different kinds of potatoes for the topping of my Shepherd's Pie?
Absolutely, feel free to mix it up a bit! Russet potatoes are great for a fluffy topping, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try a mix of different potatoes for a unique flavour profile.
Remember, the key is to mash them well with enough butter and milk to achieve a smooth and delicious topping.
Classic Shepherds Pie A Pub Favourite Made Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |