Homemade Shepherds Pie

There’s something truly special about comfort food that warms both the heart and the belly. For me, Homemade Shepherds Pie is a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. As a child, I remember my grandmother lovingly preparing this hearty dish, its savory aroma filling the air and making everyone’s mouth water. The combination of tender vegetables, savory meat, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that just can’t be beaten. Every forkful tells a story, and as I grew older, I made it my mission to master this beloved recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal with your family, Homemade Shepherds Pie has a magical way of bringing everyone together, creating cherished moments and satisfied smiles.

Ingredients to Make Homemade Shepherds Pie

The ingredients for Homemade Shepherds Pie are simple yet packed with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The key players include tender, flavorful vegetables, hearty meat, and creamy potatoes that come together in perfect harmony.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and enhance their flavors.
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced – Adds sweetness and a vibrant color to the filling.
• 1 cup celery, diced – Provides a nice crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 ½ cup onion, diced – A flavor base that adds depth to the dish.
• 1 pound lean ground beef – The heart of the dish, providing protein and richness.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic – For an aromatic flavor boost.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling.
• ⅓ cup tomato paste – Adds richness and a slight tang.
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the savory flavors.
• 1 ½ cup beef broth – Provides moisture and flavor to the filling.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a lovely herbal note.
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano – Complements the other herbs.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – For garnish and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
• 1 cup frozen peas – For color and sweetness.
• 2 pounds russet or golden potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces – The base for the creamy topping.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the mashed potatoes.
• ½ cup half and half, warmed – For creaminess in the potatoes.
• 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese, garlic and fine herbs flavor – Elevates the potatoes to a whole new level.
• salt and pepper, to taste – For final seasoning.

Homemade Shepherds Pie Instructions

Cooking Homemade Shepherds Pie is a rewarding experience, and I love how each step builds on the last to create a delicious dish. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the stage for perfectly baked Shepherds Pie.
2. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, and 1 ½ cup onion. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld.
3. Next, add 1 pound lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You want it thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic in the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
4. Now, whisk together 1 ½ cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with ⅓ cup tomato paste, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add in 1 cup frozen peas and stir to combine.
5. While the filling simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, add the peeled and diced 2 pounds russet or golden potatoes and cover them with cold water. Season with a couple of pinches of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a rolling boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. For the creamiest texture, you can either run them through a potato ricer or use a hand masher. Add 2 tablespoons butter, warm ½ cup half and half, and 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese to the potatoes. Mash until creamy, tasting for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Spread the creamy potatoes evenly over the top of the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
8. Bake the Shepherds Pie uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and golden. This gives it that perfect crust.
9. Once done, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Shepherds Pie!

Making Adjustments

Adjusting recipes can be fun and allows you to cater to your taste preferences. Here are some tips for customizing Homemade Shepherds Pie:

• Storage: Seal any leftovers tightly in an airtight container. Properly stored, they will last in the refrigerator for three to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Just wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the pie.
• Variations: Experiment with different cheeses in the mashed potatoes, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.
• Spice it Up: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Perfect Matches for Homemade Shepherds Pie

When serving Homemade Shepherds Pie, consider these perfect pairings:

• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple greens like broccoli or asparagus can provide a fresh contrast.
• Garlic Bread: For those who love a little extra carbs, garlic bread makes a delicious accompaniment.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, and even holiday feasts!
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied white wine or a soft red can elevate the dining experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

Homemade Shepherds Pie is truly a meal that embodies comfort and warmth, making it perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you won’t regret it!

Homemade Shepherds Pie

The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Shepherds Pie brings together layers of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for cozy nights in, and it’s a dish everyone will love. Make it tonight for a hearty meal!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup carrots peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1.5 cup onion diced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 0.33 cup tomato paste
• 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 cup beef broth
• 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 pound russet or golden potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 0.5 cup half and half warmed
• 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese garlic and fine herbs flavor
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the stage for perfectly baked Shepherds Pie.
2. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, and 1 ½ cup onion. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld.
3. Next, add 1 pound lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You want it thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic in the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
4. Now, whisk together 1 ½ cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with ⅓ cup tomato paste, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add in 1 cup frozen peas and stir to combine.
5. While the filling simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, add the peeled and diced 2 pounds russet or golden potatoes and cover them with cold water. Season with a couple of pinches of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a rolling boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. For the creamiest texture, you can either run them through a potato ricer or use a hand masher. Add 2 tablespoons butter, warm ½ cup half and half, and 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese to the potatoes. Mash until creamy, tasting for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Spread the creamy potatoes evenly over the top of the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
8. Bake the Shepherds Pie uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and golden. This gives it that perfect crust.
9. Once done, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Shepherds Pie!

Notes

• Tip 1: Always let the pie cool completely before covering and refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Just wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 3: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different cheeses in the mashed potatoes, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.
• Tip 5: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.