Cozy Winter Staple – Shepherd’s Pie Recipe | Classic Comfort Food Dinner Idea
Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate cozy winter staple! Layers of savory beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown, make this dish a hearty comfort food favorite. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or warming up on a chilly night.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for potatoes)
Instructions
- Brown Meat: In a skillet, cook lamb or beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Vegetables & Flavor Base: Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer until thickened into a rich gravy.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble Pie: Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing or creating rustic peaks.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Optional Broil: Broil briefly for extra crisp crust.
- Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lamb for authentic Shepherd’s Pie; beef makes it Cottage Pie.
- Drain potatoes well before mashing to avoid watery topping.
- Taste gravy before layering—it should be rich and well-seasoned.
- Add cheddar cheese to mashed potatoes for indulgence.
- Make mini pies in ramekins for individual servings.