Best 8 Best Authentic Shepherds Pie Recipes

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Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. This dish is made with ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.

This article provides three different recipes for shepherd's pie, each with its own unique twist. The first recipe is a traditional shepherd's pie made with ground lamb, carrots, celery, onions, and peas. The second recipe is a shepherd's pie with a twist, made with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and corn. The third recipe is a vegetarian shepherd's pie made with lentils, mushrooms, and spinach.

No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEST CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE RECIPE



Best Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe image

The Best Classic Shepherd's Pie - AKA Shepards Pie or Cottage Pie. Ground Beef (or lamb) with vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and baked.

Provided by Amanda Finks

Categories     Dinner     Entree     Main Course

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 22

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 1/2 - 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

Steps:

  • Add the oil to a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the onions. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the ground beef (or ground lamb) to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and and pepper. Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated and no clumps of tomato paste remain.
  • Add the broth, frozen peas and carrots, and frozen corn. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Set the meat mixture aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, 10-15 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the potatoes to the hot pot. Let the potatoes rest in the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
  • Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes and stir until all the ingredients are mixed together.
  • Add the parmesan cheese to the potatoes. Stir until well combined.
  • Pour the meat mixture into a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat. Carefully spread into an even layer.
  • If the baking dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet so that the filling doesn't bubble over into your oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.** Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /6th of the recipe, Calories 400 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Cholesterol 97 mg, Sodium 751 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g

TRADITIONAL SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Shepherd's Pie image

This rich and meaty classic shepherd's pie is made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin and topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping--it's sure to delight everyone at the table.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrot
1 pound ground lamb
1 pound ground beef sirloin
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen green peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in large saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and place pot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and drain.
  • Return potatoes to the hot pan and set over the same burner. Add milk and 2 tablespoons butter; allow butter to melt from the residual heat. Mash potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese, sour cream, egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Heat olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot and cook, stirring constantly, until onion begins to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add lamb and beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon and stirring often until browned, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle meat mixture with flour, remaining salt and pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  • Add beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire; cook, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until thickened and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in peas. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and top with the prepared mashed potatoes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.5 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 118.1 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 1469.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

MUMMY BOOME'S TRADITIONAL SHEPHERDS PIE



Mummy Boome's Traditional Shepherds Pie image

Provided by Danny Boome

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds lean ground beef or lamb
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef stock
1 1/2 cups garden peas
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows
4 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, quartered
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mature white Cheddar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.
  • Add butter and oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Saute onions, carrots, celery and garlic until tender for about 7 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Once the vegetables have softened and start to brown a little add the tomato paste and mix evenly. Add the ground beef and cook until beef is no longer pink about 10 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook and simmer for another 10 minutes. Mix in peas. Transfer mixture to an oven-proof baking dish and spread evenly. Place potato on top of ground beef mixture and spread out evenly, once the top surface has been covered, rake through with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. Place the dish into the preheated oven and cook until browned about 20 minutes. Spoon out the shepherd's pie and serve.
  • Fill a large saucepan with cold water and a tablespoon of salt. Add potatoes to the water and bring to a boil. Let potatoes cook until soft about 20 minutes. Once the potatoes are at a desired density, drain the potatoes and place them back into the saucepan for mashing. Add butter and cream and begin to mash potatoes into a semi smooth consistency. Once at desired texture add cheese and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

GORDON RAMSAY'S SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH CHEESE CHAMP TOPPING



Gordon Ramsay's Shepherd's Pie With Cheese Champ Topping image

If I had to choose my all-time favourite family recipe, it would be this.

Provided by Gordon Ramsay

Categories     Dinner     Winter     Potato     Lamb     Cheese     Onion     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

For the filling
Olive oil, for frying
1 kg minced lamb
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and diced
2 leeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise and finely sliced
1-2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-2 Tbsp. tomato purée
100 ml red wine
250 ml chicken stock
2 rosemary springs, leaves only, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the topping
750g potatoes, e.g. Maris Piper, peeled and cut into chunks
50g butter
3 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
100g Cheddar cheese, grated
50-100ml milk (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F/ 180° C/Gas 4. Place a large, wide frying pan or hob-proof casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Add a dash of oil and fry the mince in batches, seasoning each lot, until well browned. Add the garlic for the last 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Put a little more oil in the same pan and cook the onion and leeks over a medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until completely softened. Add Worcestershire sauce to taste, then stir in the tomato purée.
  • Return the mince to the pan and stir well. Pour in the wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bubble for a couple of minutes to burn off the alcohol, then add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer, then add the rosemary and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Cook gently for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly and the flavours are well-combined. Set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash until smooth. Mix in the butter and seasoning, then add the spring onions and three-quarters of the cheese and mix again. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the mash is too dry add a splash of milk to loosen.
  • Put the lamb mixture into a 28 x 22cm baking dish and top with the mashed potato. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and little salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potato is golden brown and the meat is bubbling underneath, and serve.

THE BEST SHEPHERD'S PIE



The Best Shepherd's Pie image

We stuck with tradition and made our shepherd's pie with lamb, but you could easily swap in ground beef. The saucy filling is packed with tender vegetables and the creamy topping is inspired by the Irish potato dish, colcannon, and is filled with cabbage, leeks and cheese.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered (about 4 medium potatoes)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 ounces or 2 cups)
1 leek, white and light-green parts only, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar (about 3 ounces)
3 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 pounds ground lamb
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • For the topping: Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Season with 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and reserve the saucepan.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it turns brick red, about 8 minutes. Add the lamb, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the peas. Stir in the flour until incorporated, about 1 minute. Add the broth and Worcestershire and cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • To finish the topping, melt the butter in the large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cabbage and leeks and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, and cook until warm, about 1 minute. Return the potatoes to the pan with the cabbage and add the cheese. Mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the egg yolks.
  • Transfer the filling to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add the topping, swirling to create texture. Make sure that the sides are sufficiently covered so the filling doesn't leak through. Bake until the filling is bubbly and the top is lightly golden, about 35 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

BEST SHEPHERD'S PIE



Best Shepherd's Pie image

This is the best shepherds pie recipe I've ever had, and it comes from a friend who was a whiz at pinching pennies without sacrificing hearty flavor.-Valerie Merrill, Topeka, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2-1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cooked
1 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (16 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mash potatoes with sour cream. Add salt and pepper; set aside. In a large skillet, cook beef with onion and red pepper until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir garlic salt into meat mixture. Stir in the soup, corn and milk. , Spread meat mixture into a 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes; drizzle with butter. , Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes. For additional browning, place under broiler for a few minutes. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 626mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie image

Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy! :)

Provided by GrumpyIrishLady

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb lamb or 1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F.
  • Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.
  • Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat.
  • Season with black pepper and thyme.
  • Cook until browned then drain fat.
  • Add the butter and peas.
  • Sprinkle with flour and stir through.
  • Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste.
  • Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce.
  • Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.
  • Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.2, Fat 19.8, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 115.9, Sodium 397.3, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 8.9, Protein 22.6

SHEPHERD'S PIE



Shepherd's Pie image

Shepherds are in the business of herding sheep, which makes lamb the most obvious choice for this pie, but ground beef is a tasty addition. The combination of ground lamb and ground beef is earthy and robust, and keeps lamb's gaminess in check. Ground lamb tends to be fatty, so this recipe uses lean ground beef to compensate. If you prefer all beef, be sure to use something with a little more fat. And if you prefer all lamb, you may want to skim off some of the extra fat after browning the meat.

Provided by Samantha Seneviratne

Categories     casseroles, meat, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
2 1/2 pounds (about 3 to 4 large) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded aged white Cheddar
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small yellow onion, diced small (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced small (about 1 1/4 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 4-inch sprigs fresh rosemary
3/4 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 pounds ground lamb
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beef stock
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil over high heat. Add potatoes to boiling water and boil for about 15 to 20 minutes, until soft; a knife should go in with almost no resistance.
  • In a small saucepan or a microwave oven, heat 6 tablespoons of the butter and milk together until butter melts. Drain potatoes well and return to pot. Using a masher or a ricer, mash hot potatoes until smooth. Mix in the hot butter mixture, just until blended. Stir in the Cheddar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large oven-safe skillet with high sides or an enameled cast-iron braiser (at least 2 1/2-quart capacity) over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, thyme and rosemary and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the onions are translucent and the carrots are just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the beef and the lamb and cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. (At this point, you can drain off some of the excess fat if you like.) Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking until it is well combined, another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef stock and cook, stirring, until the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir in the parsley and remove the thyme and rosemary stems. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Top the meat mixture with dollops of the mashed potatoes then spread them out over the top. (Or transfer the meat mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish and spread into an even layer, and top with potatoes.) Transfer to the oven and, if the mixture is at the top edges of your pan, set a foil-lined baking sheet underneath the pan to catch any drips. Bake the pie until the potatoes have begun to brown and the edges are bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 726, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 24 grams, Sodium 1073 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 2 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ground lamb. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the shepherd's pie. Look for ground lamb that is fresh and has a good amount of fat (at least 20%).
  • Don't overcook the lamb. Lamb is best when it is cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooked lamb will be tough and dry.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the filling. This will add flavor and texture to the shepherd's pie. Some good choices include carrots, celery, onions, and peas.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick and flavorful. The sauce is what brings the shepherd's pie together. Make sure it is thick enough to coat the vegetables and lamb, and that it has a good balance of flavors.
  • Don't skimp on the mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes are the topping that makes shepherd's pie so comforting. Make sure they are creamy and fluffy, and that they are well-seasoned.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a shepherd's pie that will be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

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