Best 10 Traditional Shepherds Pie Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the art of crafting a traditional shepherd's pie, a hearty and comforting dish that has warmed hearts and satisfied appetites for generations. This classic recipe, steeped in history and tradition, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. Join us as we explore the essential steps, key ingredients, and variations that will guide you in creating an unforgettable shepherd's pie experience, transporting you to a world of culinary bliss.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

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

Instead of using a pastry crust, this recipe creates a savory crust with mashed potatoes. The bacon flavor in the filling is fabulous! I think you and your family will love this pleasing pie.-Chris Eschweiler, Dallas, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound ground beef
3 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained
5-1/2 cups hot mashed potatoes (prepared without milk and butter)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional butter, melted

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bacon, onion, garlic and oregano until bacon is crisp; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, olives and beef. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through. , Meanwhile, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, butter, cilantro and salt. Spread half of the potato mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate. Layer with beef mixture and remaining potato mixture. , Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Brush the pie with melted butter. Bake 10 minutes longer or until top is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 354mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

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.

SHEPHERD'S PIE



Shepherd's Pie image

You'll like the convenience of this comforting dish. Unlike other shepherd's pie recipes, this one calls for frozen vegetables instead of fresh and can be made the day before. Shepherd's pie has never been so easy-or so tasty!

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound ground beef chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 box (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 cups mashed potatoes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large (5-quart) heavy pot or Dutch oven over high. Cook beef, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  • Add thyme, ketchup, and flour; stir until combined. Add 1/2 cup water and vegetables. Cook until vegetables are warmed through and liquid has thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon beef mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Spread potatoes evenly over beef; using a fork, decorate potatoes with lines and peaks. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until potatoes are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 g, Fat 26 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 25 g

TRADITIONAL SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Shepherd's Pie image

The familiar pairing of creamy mashed potatoes and succulent lamb takes an unexpected hint of sweet sharpness from its supporting cast of stewed root vegetables.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons safflower oil
3 1/2 to 4 pounds lamb shanks
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
1 dried bay leaf
6 sprigs thyme
3 parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium celery root, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
4 ounces cipollini onions, peeled
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to pot, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in wine, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add browned lamb, stock, bay leaf, and thyme to pot. Bring to a simmer; cover, and transfer to oven. Cook for 2 hours. Add parsnips, celery root, and cipollini, and cook until vegetables and meat are tender, about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, bring potatoes to a boil in a pot of salted water. Reduce heat, and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, and let cool slightly. Press hot potatoes through a ricer into pot. Add cream, butter, and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until warmed through. (Alternatively, whip potatoes with a mixer until smooth.) Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on surface.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer lamb to a dish, reserving sauce. Remove meat from bones, shredding it into bite-size pieces. Skim fat from sauce. Discard bay leaf and thyme. Return meat to sauce in pot, and add peas. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat broiler. Spoon lamb into a 6-cup baking dish adding just enough sauce to moisten; reserve remaining sauce. Spread potatoes over lamb. Alternatively, spoon potatoes into a pastry bag fitted with a 3/4-inch plain round tip, and pipe on top of lamb, covering surface. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with reserved sauce.

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

TRADITIONAL SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Shepherd's Pie image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups roasted beef, lamb or combination, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon dry rosemary, thyme or savory, crushed
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups hot beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds russet potatoes, mashed (about 3 to 4 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Using a meat grinder or food processor finely chop cooked meat. Combine lamb and beef with garlic, onion and herbs. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour using a whisk to whisk into the bubbling butter and make a white roux. Add broth and simmer for 20 minutes. Place chopped beef mixture into baking dish. Add gravy to beef and adjust seasoning. Decorate top of beef with mashed potatoes. Bake for 45 minutes and serve.

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 RECIPE BY TASTY



Shepherd's Pie Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, ground lamb, salt, pepper, large onion, large carrots, garlic, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, red wine, chicken stock, yukon gold potato, unsalted butter, large egg yolks, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese

Provided by Matthew Johnson

Categories     Dinner

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 lb ground lamb
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 large onion, chopped
3 large carrots
6 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 cup red wine
1 cup chicken stock
3 lb yukon gold potato, cubed
¼ cup unsalted butter, 1/2 stick
4 large egg yolks
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220˚C).
  • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground lamb, season with salt and pepper, and fry for 5 minutes, until cooked through.
  • Add the onion, carrots, garlic, thyme, and rosemary, stir, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and the meat is well-browned.
  • Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and stir to incorporate. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the liquid evaporates and the meat is aromatic.
  • Pour in the red wine and reduce until almost completely evaporated.
  • Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, and cook the meat until the stock has evaporated, 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain, then return to the hot pan over low heat to dry out a bit.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth.
  • Add salt, the butter, egg yolks, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Fold until well combined.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a piping bag or zip-top bag fitted with a star tip.
  • Spoon the lamb mixture into a large baking dish. Pipe the golden mashed potatoes over the lamb.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 655 calories, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 40 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 36 grams, Sugar 4 grams

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE image

Categories     Lamb     Bake     St. Patrick's Day     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb
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 stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes ( estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Directions 1. Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F. 2. Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender. 3. Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat. 4. Season with black pepper and thyme. 5. Cook until browned then drain fat. 6. Add the butter and peas. 7. Sprinkle with flour and stir through. 8. Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce. 9. Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste. 10. Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce. 11. Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. 12. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top. 13. Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the shepherd's pie will be. Look for fresh, organic vegetables, and grass-fed lamb.
  • Don't overcook the lamb. Lamb is a delicate meat, and overcooking it will make it tough. Cook the lamb until it is just cooked through, about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
  • Use a good quality gravy. The gravy is what really makes a shepherd's pie special. Use a gravy that is rich and flavorful, and that complements the lamb.
  • Don't skimp on the mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes are the topping that makes a shepherd's pie so satisfying. Use creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, and make sure to spread them evenly over the filling.
  • Bake the shepherd's pie until it is golden brown. The shepherd's pie is done when the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With a few simple tips, you can make a shepherd's pie that is even better than the traditional version. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give shepherd's pie a try.

Related Topics