The Best Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe | getcakerecipes (2024)

Hey there, folks! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Shepherd’s Pie. Now, I know what you might be thinking, that it’s a time-consuming dish, but hang tight because I’ve got a recipe that’ll make it a breeze. Shepherd’s pie is all about comfort and using up those Sunday roast leftovers – it’s kitchen economy at its finest. And here’s a fun fact for you: when it’s made with beef, it goes by the name ‘cottage pie.’

The Base Ingredients

Let’s start with the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine, if you prefer)
• 1 large onion, quartered and sliced
• 2 cups of diced leftover roast beef or lamb (or you can use browned lean ground beef or lamb)
• 2 cups of beef gravy (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup of diced cooked carrots
• 1 cup of thawed frozen peas
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg yolk, beaten
• 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes

Let’s Get Cooking

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to put on your chef’s hat (figuratively, of course) and get to work. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and don’t forget to grease a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
2. In a trusty skillet, melt those 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add in your sliced onion and sauté until it’s tender.
3. The star of the show, your diced beef or lamb, now makes an entrance. Toss it into the skillet along with the gravy, carrots, and peas. Give it a good stir to blend all those flavors.
4. Let it all heat through, and don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper, to your liking.
5. Now, transfer that mouthwatering meat and veggie mixture into your prepped baking dish.
6. Time to deal with those mashed potatoes. Pop them into a roomy bowl, add that beaten egg yolk, and give it a good mixing until it’s all nice and blended.
7. You’re nearly there! Spoon those creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the shepherd’s pie filling.
8. Into the oven it goes for around 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes get that lovely golden-brown color and the gravy starts to bubble.

Tips

Before you get started, a couple of handy tips for you:

• If your mashed potatoes are a bit stiff from the fridge, warm them up briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will make them easier to work with when you add the egg yolk.
• For a touch of elegance, consider putting your mashed potatoes in a pastry bag and piping them onto your shepherd’s pie using a large decorative tip.

Get Creative with Variations

Shepherd’s pie is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with it. Here are a few recipe variations to keep things exciting:

• Ground beef or lamb: If you don’t have a leftover roast, no worries! Add about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef or lamb to the skillet with the onions. Cook it up until it’s no longer pink, and then continue with the recipe.
• Hash brown topping: Want to try something different? Shred 2 baking potatoes, toss them with 2 tablespoons of flour, the beaten egg yolk, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the meat and top it off with a dash of paprika. Bake it up until the potato topping is perfectly browned.
• Add some veggies: If you’re looking to add a little green to your meal, throw in about 1/2 cup of sliced celery to the skillet with the onion.
• For an extra special treat, give Luxury Venison Shepherd’s Pie a go if you’re a fan of venison.

What Is A Substitute For Beef Broth In Shepherd’s Pie?

A suitable substitute for beef broth in shepherd’s pie is vegetable broth. Vegetable broth adds a savory depth to the filling without introducing a strong meat flavor, making it a good alternative for vegetarians or those who prefer a lighter taste. You can also use mushroom broth for a richer, umami undertone. In a pinch, you may opt for chicken or turkey broth, but keep in mind this will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain the desired taste profile in your shepherd’s pie.

So there you have it, folks – a shepherd’s pie recipe that’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up those leftovers. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or just a satisfying meal for one, this classic dish is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!

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I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free tolet me know!