Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (2024)

Why It Works

  • Allowing for a choice between meats means home cooks can have this classic any way they like it; the recipe works no matter what.
  • Rinsing the potatoes before and after cooking removes surface starch, ensuring that the mash doesn't end up gummy.
  • Nontraditional ingredients, like red wine, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese, add depth and complexity.
  • Worcestershire and optional Marmite are classic British umami bombs, adding savory depth to the meat.

Years ago, while studying in London, I noticed a critical detail in the way a lot of Brits eat that helps explain why their food often gets a bad rap from outsiders. Let's say, just as an example, that I'm at a pub eating dinner, and on my plate are some mashed potatoes, boiled peas, and roast meat with its pan drippings. If I were to attack that plate the way I'm most inclined to, I'd scoop up some peas and chew them up, and think something like,sweet but bland. Then I'd hit the mashed potatoes, and I'd remind myself thatbuttery French ones are better. And finally, I'd cut off a bite of the roast, dip it in its juices, and conclude,Not bad, but a little one-note.

Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (1)

But if I were to look at the imaginary bloke next to me, who happens to be eating the same hypothetical supper, I'd likely see something different. He picks up his fork and inverts it, tines down. With his knife, he pushes a wad of those mashed potatoes onto the fork's tines. Then he uses his knife to press some peas into the potatoes. Finally, he spears a hunk of meat on the fork's tip and runs the whole thing around the plate to pick up the juices.That'shis bite, and, I guarantee you, it tastes much better than my piecemeal approach. Those peas weren't cooked for the purpose of being savored alone, nor were the potatoes, nor was the roast. They were always meant to go together.

This happens to also be the beauty of shepherd's pie, Britain's mashed-potato-topped meat and vegetable casserole. Instead of forcing you to assemble all of a dinner's elements into a single forkful, it does you the favor of delivering them pre-combined.

Still, that doesn't mean we can't trick out each individual component. My recipe starts with a top layer of incredibly rich mashed potatoes, loaded with enough butter and cream to make a French chef proud. Below, a meaty,ragù-like sauce of either ground lamb (more traditional) or ground beef (less so), or some combination of the two, that's packed with peas, carrots, and layer upon layer of flavor. I even busted out the Marmite for this one—it's optional, so don't close this article just because you don't have it. I also give my meat sauce a bit of Continental flair by hitting it with red wine and a dab of tomato paste. Sure, it tastes a little more Mediterranean and a little less British...but only in the best way.

Let's break it down.

The Potatoes

The mashed potatoes follow a method that's probably familiar to Serious Eats readers by now. I start by peeling and dicing the potatoes—starchy russets, in this case—then rinse them under cold running water to wash off any excess starch that's been released from the cut surfaces.

Then I simmer them in generously salted water. I can't stress this enough: The water should taste strongly of salt, almost like seawater. Don't worry; most of that salt will go down the drain with the water. When the potatoes are tender, I drain them, rinse them again to remove any remaining excess starch (this reduces potential gumminess during mashing), and mash them with unsalted butter.

Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (2)

For a chunkier texture, a potato masher (pictured above) works well. If you want them smoother, you can use a ricer or, my personal favorite, a food mill assembled with its finest screen. I have yet to find a decent food mill made for home cooks, though, so if you go that route,I recommend going to a restaurant supply storefor a heavier-duty one; you won't be disappointed.

Once they're mashed, you can cover the potatoes directly with plastic, which will prevent the surface from drying out. Right before I'm ready to assemble the shepherd's pie, I finish the potatoes, mixing them with hot cream, which will loosen them up just enough to make them easy to spread around.

Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (3)

The Meat and Vegetables

Once upon a time, shepherd's pies were likely just a casserole of leftovers—yesterday's mash, peas, carrots, and roast meat, reconfigured into a tasty baked concoction. Today, we don't need to be so thrifty. We can actually make a kick-ass meat sauce that stands on its own merits. For me, that means making it much like an Italian ragù.

First, though, we have to decide on our meat. Technically, there's not much to think about—it's called "shepherd's pie," and, last I checked, shepherds don't herd cows. Lamb, therefore, is the traditional choice. But beef is still often used in its place, especially by those who don't love lamb's gamier flavor. Even I, who absolutely adore lamb, found some of the ground lamb I tested to be overly funky, and ended up mixing it with beef to cut its intensity. Ultimately, you can use either, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.

To start, I sear half the meat in a large Dutch oven until it's well browned. Browning creates a deep, roasted flavor, but it also dries the meat out. Reserving the other half of the meat, and adding it only after browning the first half, ensures that a good portion of it remains tender.

Then I add diced aromatic vegetables, like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook them gently for a few minutes. With all the meat in there, the pan becomes too crowded for the vegetables to sauté properly, but that's not such a problem, since preserving a little freshness is important in a dish like this. That's particularly true for the carrots, since they play off the sweet peas in that classic combo of peas and carrots; bright, sweet peas and dull, overcooked carrots just don't quite work together here. I tested an alternate method that involved sautéing the vegetables separately and then stirring them into the pot once the meat was ready, but I found they lost too much bright, fresh flavor that way.

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Next, I add a couple of tablespoons of tomato purée into the mix, frying it lightly in the oil to develop its flavor. This isn't enough tomato to make the sauce taste like aBolognese, which it shouldn't, but it is enough to tint the meat lightly orange and add some complexity.

A splash of dry red wine puts the browning to a stop. Once again, this isn't necessarily a typical addition to shepherd's pies, but it adds richness and depth that are hard to beat. Plus, red wine is as popular in the UK as anywhere else, so it's not an out-of-the-question ingredient.

Once the wine has cooked down most of the way, I add chicken stock that I've sprinkled with unflavored gelatin. The gelatin adds body and viscosity to the liquid without altering the flavor significantly. I still add some flour for further thickening, but using gelatin means I don't have to add too much, since flour can dull the meat sauce's flavor if used too heavily.

Before letting it all simmer together until it's done, I toss in some thyme sprigs and a bay leaf to infuse the meat, and spike it with two of England's most widely used umami bombs: Worcestershire sauce and the yeast extract spread Marmite. If you don't have Marmite, the Worcestershire alone will suffice.

As soon as it's all cooked down and thick, I stir in some frozen peas. Now it's ready to be put together.

The Assembly

Putting the pie together is trickier than it might seem. I made the mistake of overfilling the dish in one of my early test batches, and set off multiple smoke alarms in my apartment when it spilled over. Luckily, I had had the foresight to set the baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, so the mess didn't land on the floor of my oven. You absolutely must do the same, since a shepherd's pie is prone to boiling over in the oven, even when you haven't loaded an obscene amount into the dish.

Assembling it is simple. Start by spooning the meat sauce into the bottom of a baking dish; try not to go much above the halfway point in order to keep spillovers less...dramatic.

Then spoon the warm, spreadable mashed potatoes all over the top, creating a dappled surface with a spatula. That'll help create a diversity of textures, since the little peaks will crisp up more than the valleys while in the oven.

I also like to grate some Parmesan cheese on top, for both additional flavor and enhanced browning.

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After baking, it's a good idea to let the pie rest for 20 minutes before serving, which will allow the meat sauce to cool down and thicken up just slightly. Using a sturdy spatula, scoop portions out onto plates. Don't worry too much about how messy those servings are. After all, it's all going to end up in the same place, and ideally it will all arrive together.

October 2016

Recipe Details

Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb)

Prep10 mins

Cook75 mins

Active60 mins

Resting Time15 mins

Total100 mins

Serves8 servings

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 3 1/2 pounds (1.6kg) russet potatoes (about 4 large), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Kosher salt

  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml)homemadeor store-bought low-sodium chicken stock

  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 5 teaspoons; 1/2 ounce; 14g)

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 1/2 pounds (1kg) ground beef or lamb, or some combination (see notes)

  • 1 large yellow onion (about 14 ounces; 400g), diced

  • 3 medium carrots (about 8 ounces; 225g), diced

  • 2 ribs celery (about 4 ounces; 110g), diced

  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste

  • 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine

  • 2 sprigs thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Marmite (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour

  • 8 ounces (225g) frozen peas

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

To Assemble:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream

  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. For the Mashed Potatoes: Set cubed potatoes in a colander and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Transfer to a large saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Season water with salt until almost as salty as the sea. Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until a knife easily pierces potatoes with no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes in colander, then rinse with hot running water for 30 seconds. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl.

  2. Using a potato masher, food mill, or ricer, mash potatoes with butter. Press surface smooth, then press plastic wrap directly against surface to prevent a skin from forming. Set aside until ready to assemble.

    Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (6)

  3. Meanwhile, for the Meat Sauce: Place stock in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, sprinkle with gelatin, and set aside.

  4. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Add half of ground meat and cook, stirring and scraping bottom of pot, until well browned, 6 to 8 minutes; use a potato masher or large whisk to break up meat. Add remaining meat and cook, breaking up with masher or whisk, until reduced to small bits, about 3 minutes; lower heat as necessary to prevent scorching. If meat has rendered an excessive amount of fat, use a metal spoon to ladle most of it out, leaving just a few tablespoons in the pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring and scraping bottom of pot, until just beginning to soften slightly, about 4 minutes.

    Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (7)

  5. Add tomato paste and cook over medium heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add red wine and bring to a simmer over high heat. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, until almost fully evaporated. Add reserved chicken stock, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire, and Marmite, if using. Sprinkle flour over ground meat in pot, then stir in. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is reduced and thick, about 20 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.

    Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (8)

  6. To Assemble and Bake: Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Before assembling, heat cream in a large saucepan until simmering. Add potatoes and stir gently until completely incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Potatoes are now ready for assembly.

  7. Set a 9- by 13-inch baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Add meat sauce, being careful not to fill more than halfway. (You might not need all of the sauce, depending on the exact size of your baking dish.) Top with mashed potatoes, spreading them with a spatula to cover surface completely. Using spatula, create a dappled pattern on top of potatoes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

    Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (9)

  8. Transfer to oven and bake until top is browned and casserole is fully heated through, about 20 minutes. For deeper browning, place casserole on a rack set about 6 inches under a hot broiler for the last few moments of cooking. (Monitor closely to prevent potatoes from burning.)

  9. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Casserole can be assembled, wrapped with plastic, and refrigerated up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 35 minutes, then use broiler to brown top.

Special Equipment

9- by 13-inch baking dish, rimmed baking sheet

Notes

Lamb is the more traditional meat choice, but if you prefer the milder flavor of beef, you can use it instead. Or, use a combination of both for a tamer lamb flavor.

  • British
  • Ground Beef
  • Ground Lamb
  • Peas
  • Russet Potatoes
Classic, Savory Shepherd's Pie (With Beef and/or Lamb) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the original shepherd's pie made of? ›

Shepherd's pie comes to us from England, and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton. Here in the states we are more of a beef eating culture than a lamb eating one, and when one is served "shepherd's pie" here, it is most often made with ground beef.

How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? ›

How do you keep shepherds pie from falling apart? The eggs in the mashed potatoes help keep the pie together. You should also make sure to spread the potatoes and press down a bit.

Does shepherd's pie have gravy in it? ›

This Easy Shepherd's Pie recipe is made with ground beef, brown gravy, and frozen vegetables in less than 30 minutes on the stove top. Broil in the oven for just 5 minutes and dinner is served! Make it with my homemade mashed potato recipe, or use up leftover mashed potatoes!

What ingredients does shepherd's pie a traditional Irish dish contain? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1 tablespoon butter.
  • 2 pounds lean ground lamb.
  • 1 onion, diced.
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup.
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary.
Mar 7, 2024

What is traditional shepherd's pie made of easy? ›

This traditional shepherd's pie recipe is made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin, lots of veggies, and a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping ⁠— sure to delight everyone at the table! Nicole McLaughlin produces the educational and entertaining food series from Allrecipes; You Can Cook That.

What is shepherd's pie made of in England? ›

More recently "shepherd's pie" has generally been used for a potato-topped dish of minced lamb. According to the Oxford Companion to Food, "In keeping with the name, the meat should be mutton or lamb; and it is usually cooked meat left over from a roast".

What is the best bakeware for shepherd's pie? ›

A large oven proof Le Creuset, metal handled frying pan or enamel coated cast iron pan works well. Or you can cook your meat in a frying pan and then transfer it to a ceramic or glass lasagna dish to bake. Alternatively you can make individual pies in ramekins or small ovenproof dishes.

What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

Why does my potato sink in shepherds pie? ›

Residual moisture from the potatoes will drip into the beef below as it cooks, and too much of it will cause the potatoes to eventually sink. Aside from ridding your potatoes of excess moisture before you mash them, it also helps to cool the beef down, BBC Good Food shares.

What is a shepherds pie called when it is made from beef? ›

Cottage pie is made using the same or very similar ingredients to shepherds pie. Nationally Cottage pie is made with Beef mince and Shepherds pie is made with Lamb mince. The name "cottage pie" was first used at the end of the 18th century.

Why is flour used in shepherds pie? ›

This shepherd's pie recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy but if you feel like the meat mixture is too watery, add in another tablespoon and stir to combine. You may also try simmering the mince mixture for longer so that the stock reduces down and thickens.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire in shepherd's pie? ›

Red Wine Vinegar and Tamarind Paste:

This substitute is a good combination for Worcestershire Sauce. Just use about half of this mixture as a substitute. These two ingredients combined are a little more sweeter and tarter so add slowly to your dish.

What is funeral pie made of? ›

Vintage Funeral Pie Recipe is an old-fashioned dessert that is made from raisins, spices, and walnuts. It was traditionally made by the Amish, but this sugary pie fits right into a Southern cook's recipe box.

What is the difference between Irish and British shepherd's pie? ›

It's called cottage pie in the U.K. because they use beef and in Ireland since the shepherds tend sheep, it's shepherd's pie. No doubt, the English put out an excellent cottage pie, but in Ireland it used to be a delicacy since the Irish couldn't afford beef they repurposed any unused veggies and meat.

What is British cottage pie? ›

"Shepherd's pie" is made from lamb (hence "shepherd"), while "cottage pie" is made with beef. Cottage pie is actually older than shepherd's pie. It is a dish that originated around the time that potatoes were introduced in the UK (in the late 1700s).

Where is shepherds pie from traditionally? ›

Many people believe that the peasant housewives invented the pie as an easy way to repackage leftovers from their Sunday roast. The Shepherd Pie is thought to originate from Ireland and the northern parts of England.

When was the first shepherd's pie made? ›

Shepherd's Pie first came about late in the 1700s and early 1800s. Accordingly, housewives back then were on the frugal side. Much like we do today, they were looking for ways to incorporate those leftovers that husbands and kids would turn up their noses at.

Why do Irish people eat shepherd's pie? ›

It's called cottage pie in the U.K. because they use beef and in Ireland since the shepherds tend sheep, it's shepherd's pie. No doubt, the English put out an excellent cottage pie, but in Ireland it used to be a delicacy since the Irish couldn't afford beef they repurposed any unused veggies and meat.

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