Shepherd's Pie

Savor the comforting embrace of our classic shepherd's pie, a culinary heirloom featuring a rich, savory base of seasoned ground beef or lamb simmered with aromatic vegetables in a luscious gravy, all lovingly blanketed by a cloud of golden-brown, buttery mashed potatoes – a dish that not only warms the heart but also invites your own cherished variations and traditions.
Meat Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef or lamb
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp each dried rosemary and thyme
- ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
- ½ cup frozen corn
Potato Topping:
- 4 cups peeled (cubed russet potatoes (~2 large))
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish.
Meat Filling:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 cup onion; cook 5 mins until soft.
- Add 1 lb beef/lamb; break apart with a spoon. Stir in 2 tsp parsley, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook 6–8 mins until browned.
- Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp tomato paste; stir 1 min to coat.
- Pour in 1 cup broth, then add 1 cup peas/carrots + ½ cup corn. Simmer 5 mins until thickened. Set aside.
Potato Topping:
- Boil 4 cups cubed potatoes in salted water 10–15 mins until tender. Drain, return to pot to dry 1 min.
- Mash with 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup milk, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper. Fold in ¼ cup Parmesan.
Assemble & Bake:
- Spread meat filling in prepped dish. Top with mashed potatoes; smooth with a fork. (Optional: Brush with 1 tbsp olive oil for crispness.)
- Bake 25–30 mins until golden.
Rest:
- Let stand 15 minutes before serving (ensures clean slices).