Best 6 Shepherds Pie Alton Brown Recipes

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Shepherd's Pie, a comforting and flavorful dish, is a classic British comfort food that has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. This iconic dish, often associated with hearty winter meals, features a delectable combination of minced lamb or beef, a rich and savory gravy, and a golden-brown mashed potato topping.

Variations of Shepherd's Pie exist across cultures, each with its unique flair. In this article, we present a collection of diverse Shepherd's Pie recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and taste profiles. From the traditional British recipe to vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives, our selection ensures that everyone can enjoy this beloved dish.

Our first recipe, Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie, is a classic interpretation that showcases the harmonious blend of lamb, vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian option, the Lentil Shepherd's Pie offers a hearty and protein-packed alternative with lentils taking the center stage. For those seeking a gluten-free version, the Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie provides a satisfying adaptation that maintains the dish's essence.

Additionally, we feature a Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie recipe for those who relish the convenience of hands-off cooking. The slow cooker method infuses the flavors beautifully, resulting in a tender and succulent dish. And for those who love a touch of spice, the Mexican Shepherd's Pie incorporates a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, creating a unique and zesty twist on the classic.

Whether you're a traditionalist seeking a comforting and nostalgic meal or an adventurous foodie looking for innovative flavors, our collection of Shepherd's Pie recipes offers something for everyone. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates this timeless dish in all its variations.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

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.

ALTON BROWN'S SHEPHERD'S PIE



Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie image

You might also like these Fuss-Free Shepherd's Pie Recipes

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     beef,comfort food,dinner,eggs and dairy,lamb,Legumes,potatoes,vegetables

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 ½ lb(s) russet potatoes
¼ cup half-and-half
2 oz unsalted butter
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ lb(s) ground lamb
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp freshly chopped rosemary leaves
1 tsp freshly chopped thyme leaves
½ cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
½ cup fresh or frozen English peas

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch saute pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
  • Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

SHEPHERD'S PIE



Shepherd's Pie image

When you're in the mood for a meaty, savory comfort-food classic, serve Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 ounces unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup fresh or frozen English peas

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch saute pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
  • Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

AMERICAN SHEPHERD'S PIE (COWHERD'S PIE)



American Shepherd's Pie (Cowherd's Pie) image

A variation on Alton Brown's highly-regarded Shepherd's Pie recipe, substituting ground beef for lamb. You will find the original recipe here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2/index.html This is my to-try selection for the week of January 2, 2012.

Provided by Cranky Ex-Chef

Categories     Meat

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/2 lbs potatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 ounces butter, unsalted
3/4 teaspoon salt, kosher
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
2 garlic cloves, mashed
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt, kosher
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup frozen peas

Steps:

  • Make the Mashed Potatoes:.
  • Peel the potatoes and cut into a large dice. Place in pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to a simmer, cooking the potatoes until a fork inserted in a potato dice causes it to break apart. Drain the potatoes and then return to the pot, adding the cream and butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth then season with the salt and pepper. Add the egg yolk, stirring until well combined. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
  • Make the Meat Filling.
  • (If you are a confident kitchen multi-tasker, you can prepare the meat filling while the potatoes are cooking to decrease the total prep time on the meal).
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Heat a large saute pan or dutch oven (for a one-pot meal) over medium-high heat. Add the oil, allow it to heat for a moment then add the onion and carrots. Saute the veggies about four minutes, or until the onions just begin to brown. Stir in the crushed garlic, then crumble in the ground beef and stir to brown. Cook the meat 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through. Season with the salt and pepper, then sprinkle on the flour, tossing to coat the meat. Cook the floured meat for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Allow the mix to come to a boil, stirring to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • If you prepared the meat in a dutch oven or similar casserole you may leave the meat mixture in that dish and continue with the recipe. Otherwise, to bake the dish in a casserole pan spread the meat mixture evenly into an 11" by 7" glass baking dish. The glass baking dish is prone to boil-overs so set it on a foil- or parchment-lined cookie sheet when baking.
  • Spread the peas and corn on top of the meat mixture then gently top with the mashed potatoes, starting at the edges and smoothing the potatoes towards the middle of the dish with an offset metal or rubber spatula.
  • Place the casserole on a rack in the middle of the oven and backe for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooling rack for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.1, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 10.7, Cholesterol 119.9, Sodium 775.3, Carbohydrate 26.6, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 3, Protein 27.3

EASY SHEPHERD'S PIE



Easy Shepherd's Pie image

Put this Easy Shepherd's Pie on the table tonight in just 40 minutes. This Easy Shepherd's Pie includes mashed potatoes, veggies, meat and more.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb. lean ground beef
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn and green beans), thawed
1 cup HEINZ HomeStyle Savory Beef Gravy
2 cups hot prepared ORE-IDA STEAM N' MASH Cut Russet Potatoes (1/2 of 24-oz. pkg.)
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375ºF.
  • Brown meat in large skillet; drain. Return meat to skillet. Add mixed vegetables and gravy; mix well.
  • Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Mix potatoes, cream cheese, garlic and 1/2 cup cheddar until blended; spoon over meat mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Sodium 580 mg, Carbohydrate 19 g, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 1 g, Protein 24 g

SHEPHERD'S PIE - ALTON BROWN



Shepherd's Pie - Alton Brown image

Make and share this Shepherd's Pie - Alton Brown recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KacerPie

Categories     Meat

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 Casserole, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 ounces unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs ground lamb
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup peas

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch saute pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
  • Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  • Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2/index.html?oc=linkback.

Tips:

  • Brown the meat well: This will help develop flavor and prevent the meat from becoming dry in the oven.
  • Do not overcook the vegetables: They should still have a little bit of bite to them when you add them to the filling.
  • Use a good quality gravy: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the pie.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings: Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower mash can all be used.
  • Let the pie rest before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and golden brown crust, it's a dish that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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