Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's Pie, also known as cottage pie, is British pub food at its finest. This easy meat-and-potatoes casserole features ground beef (or lamb), vegetables, and a savory gravy baked underneath a thick, fluffy layer of mashed potatoes. Dig in before it disappears.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Irish
Servings 8 servings
Calories 588 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the filling:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb (see note 1)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup beer (see note 2)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
  • 1 11-ounce bag frozen peas and carrots (about 2 cups)

For the topping:

  • 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (see note 3)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup butter melted (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup milk plus more for desired consistency
  • 1 egg beaten

Instructions
 

To make the filling:

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until foaming. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the meat, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook until browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a spoon to break up any clumps of meat. 
  • Add flour and tomato paste and cook until paste begins to darken, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in chicken broth, beer, soy sauce, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick but saucy, 15 to 20 minutes. 
  • Stir in peas and carrots, season to taste with salt and pepper, and transfer to a broiler-safe 9-inch by 13-inch dish.

To make the topping:

  • Meanwhile, adjust an oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
  • In a large pot or dutch oven over high heat, bring potatoes, 1 tablespoon salt, and enough water to cover the potatoes 1 inch to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Drain well, return potatoes to pot, and mash until smooth. Stir in butter until incorporated. Stir in milk and season to taste with salt and pepper. (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.)
  • Spread potatoes over the filling in casserole dish and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top, or pipe with a pastry bag and tip. Brush with egg and swirl the top with the back of a spoon, or drag fork tines across to make hatch marks.
  • Bake until the filling is hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

  1. Ground meat: "Minced" beef or lamb is traditional. In the UK, Cottage Pie is made with beef while Shepherd's Pie uses lamb. But in the United States, beef is often used in either case because lamb isn't as widely consumed.
  2. Beer: Any beer you like: lager, stout, etc. You only need a little, but if you don't want to cook with beer, bump up the chicken broth in the recipe.
  3. Russet potatoes: Starchy baking potatoes like Russets make the best, fluffiest mashed potatoes.
  4. Yield: One recipe baked in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish should make 8 servings.
  5. Make ahead: Make (but don't bake) the casserole, let cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before you need it.
  6. Storage: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator and finish them up within 3 to 5 days.
  7. Freezing: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, label, date, and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer at 325 degrees until piping hot inside, about 1 hour.
  8. Cheese: YES! I did not specify cheese in this recipe, but I have in the past and if that appeals to you, I highly recommend it. (Life Tip: If you're wondering if you should add cheese, the answer is always yes.) Grated cheddar on top would be delicious, but so would Boursin mashed potatoes.
  9. Breadcrumbs: Homemade breadcrumbs or garlic breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top of the mashed potatoes is delicious, too. That's called a Cumberland Pie, in case you're wondering.
  10. Sweet potatoes: Heck yes, you can top the casserole with mashed sweet potatoes (or even cauliflower mashed potatoes) for something different. You can even make this recipe with leftover mashed potatoes, if you have them. Just make it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 26gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 1051mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 754IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg
Keyword shepherd's pie
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