Classic Shepherd’s Pie

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This recipe is taken from a classic dish that has been passed down for generations in many families. A classic dish with Ground beef, Mashed potatoes and vegetables.

This dish is hearty, comforting and actually very easy to make. The ground beef and vegetables are in a thick and rich gravy type sauce. Traditionally, the recipe would be for Ground Lamb, however, this one uses Ground Beef. You could actually use either one, it is your choice.

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish.

I also prefer to use freshly mashed potatoes for the topping. Real mashed potatoes just taste so much better than those instant potatoes that are available. I also used frozen vegetables in this recipe. They taste closer to fresh vegetables than canned ones do. However, you can use canned vegetables if you do not have them frozen in your freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Which is better: Ground Beef or Ground Lamb?

Again, that is your choice. Use the one that you and your family prefer. For me ground beef is more readily available.

            How do I store this dish?

When the food has cooled completely, it can be placed into an airtight container or covered tightly and placed in the refrigerator. You can store it for up to 3 or 4 days.

            Can I freeze this Shepherd’s Pie?

You can certainly freeze this dish. Be sure it is cooled completely and place it into a a freezer safe container. You can leave it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

            Why is this a recipe that I should try?

This recipe is closer to the original recipe than a multitude of others are. This one is quite easy to make and tastes great.

What do you need to make Classic Shepherd’s Pie

            1 pound Ground Beef or Ground Lamb

            2 tbsp Olive Oil

            1 cup Onion, diced

            2 tsp Parsley, dried

            1 tsp Thyme, dried

            1 tsp Rosemary, dried

            1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

            1 tsp Salt

            ½ tsp Black Pepper

            2 Garlic Cloves, freshly minced

            2 tbsp Tomato Paste

            1 cup Beef Broth

            2 tbsp Flour

            1 cup Peas and carrots, frozen

            ½ to 1 cup Sweet Corn kernels

Potatoes:

            2 Russet Potatoes, large, cut into cubes

            ½ cup Butter

            ⅓ cup Half and Half

            ¼ Parmesan Cheese

            ½ tsp Garlic Powder

            ½ tsp Salt

            ¼ tsp Black pepper

How to make Classic Shepherd’s Pie

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 400*

In a skillet over medium high heat, add the Olive Oil and then add the onions and cook until softened. Then crumble the Ground Beef(or lamb) and cook until no longer pink.

Add in the parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper

Stir well

SECOND STEP:

Add in the Worcestershire Sauce and the garlic

Continue to stir and cook for 1 minute

Add in the flour and tomato paste.

Stir until there are no lumps of flour or tomato paste

Add in the broth, peas and carrots and the corn

Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes to the water

Boil until fork tender

Drain the potatoes and return to the pot

Add the butter, half and half, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper

Mash and stir until the ingredients are well combined

Pour the meat mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish

Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture

Carefully spread into an even layer

THIRD STEP:

Place onto a rimmed baking tray to prevent spills to the oven

Place in heated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes

Allow to set for 10 minutes before serving

Enjoy!

YUM!