Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with Tips To Make It Perfect!)

I recently refined my method, How To Make Shepards Pie, using lean ground beef or lamb combined with onions, carrots, celery and garlic simmered in tomato paste and beef broth. A topping of creamy mashed potatoes dotted with butter and mixed with peas makes this dish satisfying and hearty.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and stumbled upon this homemade Shepherds Pie recipe that totally blew my mind. I start by browning 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb with a large chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to build that rich flavor.

When I add minced garlic and tomato paste, the aroma fills the house and makes you wonder what comes next. Mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce with 2 cups of beef broth really brings out the umami, and I can’t forget a teaspoon of dried thyme and a half teaspoon of dried rosemary for that extra kick.

A cup of frozen peas makes the filling pop in every bite. I top it off with 4 cups of creamy mashed potatoes and a few dabs of butter.

Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer and everyone who’s tried it asked me, “how do you make it so perfect?” Enjoy discovering the flavors!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how this recipe is super comforting and easy to whip up even on my craziest days—it always feels like a warm hug after a long day.
2. I really like that the veggies mix in with the meat perfectly and give it a nice crunch and pop of flavor, making every bite interesting.
3. I appreciate how versatile it is; sometimes I use beef and other times lamb, so I can switch it up depending on what I’m in the mood for.
4. I like the crispy mashed potatoes on top with little butter dots that give it that perfectly browned finish, even if I’m not a master chef.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or lamb offers plenty of protein and rich, hearty flavor for a filling dish.
• Onions add a savory punch along with natural sweetness and important vitamins.
• Carrots provide crunch, a slight sweetness, and essential beta carotene and fibre.
• Garlic brings a robust aroma and health benefits, making every bite memorable.
• Tomato paste deepens flavor with a tangy, concentrated tomato savor that’s hard to beat.
• Creamy mashed potatoes give a smooth, comforting carb base for the perfect finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes (from about 2 lbs potatoes, butter, and milk)
• 2 tablespoons butter for dotting on top

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F so its ready for baking later.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or lamb) over medium heat until it starts to brown, then add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the veggies soften and the meat is browned.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, making sure it doesnt burn.

4. Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce so that the flavors blend with the meat and veggies.

5. Pour in the beef broth, then add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.

6. Now toss in the frozen peas and stir well. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the peas warm up.

7. Transfer the meat and veggie mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

8. Top evenly with the creamy mashed potatoes (made from about 2 lbs potatoes with butter and milk) covering the entire surface.

9. Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter. This helps get a nice brown and crispy finish on top.

10. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Once done, let it cool just a little bit before serving. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Preheat it to 400°F for the baking step
2. Large skillet – Use it to brown the meat and soften the veggies
3. Baking dish – You need it to layer the meat mixture with mashed potatoes
4. Stove – Essential for cooking on medium heat
5. Pot – For boiling the potatoes to make the mash
6. Potato masher – To get creamy mashed potatoes
7. Cutting board – For chopping onions, carrots, celery, and other veggies
8. Knife – To chop and dice all your ingredients
9. Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out broth, tomato paste, spices and such
10. Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the mixture on the skillet

FAQ

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with Tips To Make It Perfect!) Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of ground beef or lamb, you can use ground turkey or even a mix of chopped mushrooms for a veggie-friendly version.
• If you dont have a large onion, try using two smaller onions or even some shallots to get a milder flavor.
• In case you’re out of beef broth, chicken broth works well, or you can use a good vegetable stock if you prefer a lighter taste.
• For a different twist on the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular ones. Just make sure to adjust the butter and milk amounts accordingly.
• If you dont have tomato paste, you can reduce some crushed tomatoes in a pot until they thicken up to a similar paste-like consistency.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the meat a bit longer than usual – it adds a much deeper flavor to the dish; make sure the veggies get soft too, otherwise they might still be a little crunchy.
2. When you’re mashing those potatoes, don’t be afraid to add an extra knob of butter or a splash of cream if you want that super creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture on top.
3. If you want your mashed potato top extra crispy, consider cranking the oven up to broil for 2-3 minutes after baking – keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Give your garlic and herbs a quick toast in the pan before mixing in the tomato paste; it can really bring out all those flavors and make the dish taste even richer.