Are you looking for the best shepherd’s pie recipe? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll get a shepherd’s pie recipe that is loaded with beef, vegetables, herbs and potatoes, and one irresistible sauce. Plus, you’ll learn how you long to bake it and some tips and tricks too, that’ll help you get the best results every single time!

Table of Contents

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

An English dish, shepherd’s pie is a recipe that perfectly combines meat, veggies and a mash potato topping. It’s not only comfort food at its finest, but a truly savory dish too!

How Long To Bake Shepherd’s Pie

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your shepherd’s pie for 30 minutes at 400°F.
If you prefer cooking at 375°F degrees, then cook your pie for 35 minutes instead.

How Long Does it Take to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie?

The first step is to cover your shepherd’s pie with aluminum foil. From there, turn your oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook in an oven-safe container for about 20-30 minutes.

Tips And Tricks

Using the right potatoes is key. The best ones for this recipe are russets due to their floury texture. Plus they mash easily!
Use a skillet that fits your oven, doesn’t have a plastic handle and is safe for the oven. If you don’t have a skillet , use a square 8-9 inch baking pan.
For flavor, use dry seasonings, and cook them into the meat filling.

What To Serve With Shepherd’s Pie

The best option to balance out the heaviness of the shepherd’s pie, is to serve it with a fresh salad. Another great option is garlic bread to dunk in the sauce!

How To Store Shepherd’s Pie

It is recommended to store your Shepherd’s pie in an airtight container. Be sure to store it in the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Use Ground Beef Or Lamb? (Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie)

Traditionally you use ground lamb, but more commonly ground beef is used these days. Just keep in mind that lamb can be more fatty, so it is important to drain after browning.

Does Shepherd’s Pie Have Cheese On Top?

There are some recipes that call for cheddar cheese on top. However, sometimes, parmesan is used right in the mashed potato topping.

Why Is My Shepherd’s Pie Runny?

This is usually caused by using too much stock. Be sure to follow the recipe’s measurements so that you utilize the right amount. It can also be caused by using too much meat filling, so don’t overdo it with the lamb or beef.

Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

You sure can! Just remember to seal it properly and it should last up to three months in your freezer.

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Perfect Baked Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Ingredients

Meat

1 tbsp oil
1 1/2 lb ground beef or ground lamb
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 large onion diced
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 cups frozen vegetables eg. carrots, peas and corn
salt and pepper to taste

Potatoes

2 lb baking potatoes eg. russets
4 tbsp butter softened
1 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional

Instructions

Wash the potatoes. Using a skewer or cake tester, poke 6-8 holes an inch deep into each.
Place potatoes on a plate and microwave on full power for 15-20 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, prepare the meat.
Place a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the oil and then the ground beef, stirring for 3-5 minutes until starting to brown. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook several minutes more until translucent and the meat is browning more.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, vegetables, salt and pepper. Stir for several minutes to boil off excess liquid and remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Remove the cooked potatoes from the microwave. Dip in cold water to cool, and peel off the skins if desired.
In a medium bowl, add potatoes and butter and mash for a minute until fairly smooth. Then add milk, parmesan, salt and pepper and mash again.
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat in the skillet and spread evenly. Use a fork to make your favorite pattern on the top of the potatoes.
Bake for 25 minutes in the top third of the oven until golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with optional parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

We have suggested microwaving the potatoes, but they can also be boiled/steamed for about 30 minutes if you prefer.