Ultimate Shepherd's Pie with Creamy Garlic Mash

The best Shepherd's Pie recipes start with love! My Ultimate Shepherd's Pie boasts creamy garlic mash and a rich lamb filling. Proper comfort food! Get the recipe now.

Okay, so are you searching for the ultimate comfort food recipe? Let's dive straight in! Are you in search of shepherd's pie recipes that will knock your socks off? Honestly, is there anything better than a warm, hearty pie on a chilly evening?

Shepherds Pie Recipe: Your Ticket to Comfort

This isn't just any old pie. this is your go-to for cold night dinners . the ultimate shepherd's pie with creamy garlic mash is here to steal the show! it's got that classic taste we all know and love, but with a few extra flourishes.

Trust me, this will become a recipe for family favourite in no time.

A Bit About This Beauty

Shepherd's pie is a proper british classic, right? traditionally, it's made with lamb (hence the "shepherd" bit!). it's the perfect way to use up leftover roast lamb.

This shepherd's pie recipe is medium difficulty. prep takes about 30 minutes, then an hour in the oven. this recipe makes about 6 servings.

Why You'll Love It: Best Lunch Ideas!

This recipe is brilliant because it’s packed with flavour. the lamb mince filling is so rich and savoury, especially with the red wine (don't skip it!).

Then, we top it all off with creamy, garlicky mash. plus, this is great healthy recipes meal prep . if you want the best shepherds pie recipe , look no further.

It's all about the Mash, right?

What makes this pie special is the mash. it's loaded with butter and garlic! we're using yukon gold potatoes for that perfect texture.

Honestly, buttery mashed potatoes are pure joy! this is the best shepherds pie recipe for a reason. the other thing you may enjoy, is that you can prepare it ahead, leaving only the baking to be done when you get back from work.

Ready to get cooking? First, let's have a look at what you'll need.

Alright, let's talk grub! Specifically, this shepherd's pie recipe . What are you gonna need to whip up a plate of sheer comfort? Let's break it down, mate.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Players in the Pie

First off, the filling. you'll need 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil to get things going. then, 1 large onion (chopped, naturally), 2 carrots (diced small), and 2 celery stalks (same drill, diced).

These need to be of decent quality. trust me, manky carrots will ruin your best shepherds pie ambitions. next up: the star of the show, 1 pound (450g) of ground lamb .

Quality lamb makes all the difference. look for something with a bit of fat, it'll keep things moist. don't be that person who uses that super lean stuff – it just dries out.

Brown it well. the most important ingredient and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Moving on, we need 2 tablespoons (25g) of all-purpose flour , 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth , and 1 cup (240ml) of red wine (optional, but trust me, it adds richness).

Throw in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of tomato paste , 1 teaspoon of dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary , 1 cup (120g) of frozen peas , salt and pepper (to taste, obvs), and 1 tablespoon of worcestershire sauce .

Right, now for the buttery mashed potatoes topping – the bit that makes this one of the best lunch ideas too.

You'll need 3 pounds (1.3 kg) of yukon gold potatoes . i swear by them. the yellow fleshed variety, trust me, makes such a buttery mash.

Then, 1/2 cup (120ml) of whole milk , 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter , 3 cloves of minced garlic , 1/4 cup (60ml) of heavy cream and optionally 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese .

Parmesan cheese sounds fancy but it enhances the experience so much more!

Seasoning Notes - Keep it Spicy!

Honestly, the key is balance. don't be shy with your salt and pepper. the thyme and rosemary are essential, but if you are feeling adventurous a tiny pinch of chilli flakes can add a nice little kick.

Also, worcestershire sauce is the secret weapon. it adds a depth of flavour. no worcestershire? a dash of soy sauce will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed - No Fancy Gear!

No need to get all gordon ramsay about it. you'll need a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish – something like a 9x13 inch (or thereabouts).

A large pot for boiling the potatoes is a must. a potato masher is good, but a ricer will give you proper silky smooth mash.

No one wants lumpy mash, right? you want this to be the best shepherd's pie . a large skillet or dutch oven for the filling is also essential.

Otherwise, just a cutting board and a decent chef's knife will get you by. this is what you need for a great shepherds pie recipe and it's absolutely ideal for cold night dinners .

Enjoy this recipe for family ! it's also great for healthy recipes meal prep , so you can enjoy this comfort food all week!

Alright, let's dive into a proper cooking method for shepherd's pie, the ultimate in cold night dinners ! you know, sometimes you just need something that sticks to your ribs.

This shepherds pie recipe is perfect for that. i've tweaked it over the years, so it's my version of comfort food.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key

First things first: get your mise en place sorted! chop your onion, carrots, and celery. measure out your spices. honestly, having everything ready makes life so much easier.

It's proper chef-y! organization is key to time-saving . safety reminder: watch those fingers with the knife!

From Start to Finish: Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Here is The Best Shepherds Pie you'll ever have.

1. Heat olive oil in your large skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, celery until soft. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
2. Add your ground lamb and brown. Break it up and drain any fat. This takes around 8- 10 minutes .
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute . Add beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the filling for at least 30 minutes , or up to 1 hour . Stir occasionally.
5. Add frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
6. Boil your potatoes in salted water. Cook until tender, around 15- 20 minutes .
7. Mash the potatoes with milk, Buttery Mashed Potatoes , garlic, and cream until smooth. Season to taste and if you want add parmesan.
8. Pour the lamb filling into your dish. Top evenly with the mashed potatoes. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . The top should be golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pie

Want the pie to be perfect? i can share 2-3 expert techniques or shortcuts . browning the lamb is non-negotiable. adds so much flavor! avoid overmixing the mash.

No one wants gluey potatoes. you can also make the filling a day ahead. make-ahead options are great. just store it in the fridge.

For a crispy top, broil it for the last few minutes.

This shepherd's pie recipe is a recipe for family . it's also great best lunch ideas . or even healthy recipes meal prep .

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.

Alright, let's chat about the best bits – the little tweaks and tips that make this shepherd's pie truly yours .

Think of this as the "jazz improv" section of our shepherd's pie recipes .

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. i reckon you should spoon a generous helping onto a plate. then, maybe sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

A side of buttered green beans? oh my gosh, it's chef's kiss ! it is one of the best lunch ideas when served with an appetizer.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, a small jug of extra gravy never hurt anyone.

What about drinks? a proper cold night dinners demands a proper drink. so, pair this pie with a rich, dark ale.

Or, a lovely glass of red wine. both will complement the savory flavors.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've made a mountain of this deliciousness. Now what? Well, the shepherd's pie recipe stores brilliantly!

• Refrigeration: Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container. It will be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!
• Freezing: Freezing is your friend! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. A great way for healthy recipes meal prep !
• Reheating: From the fridge, oven is the way to go. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave? Totally fine for a quick fix. But, the oven gives a better finish.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a change? No sweat!

• Dietary Adaptations: Swap the lamb for lentils and veg for a tasty vegetarian option. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the filling.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some courgette or aubergine to the filling. Autumn? Swap the peas for sweetcorn. Use a shepherds pie recipe with root vegetables for hearty warming food.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, i am no nutritionist! but, the best shepherds pie is packed with protein and fiber. it is also full of vitamins from the veggies.

The mash has carbs for energy, too. just remember everything in moderation, eh?

Alright, there you have it! try these tips. you will be making the best shepherd's pie recipe . have some fun with this recipe for family .

Most importantly? enjoy! and, happy cooking! with some buttery mashed potatoes , you can be sure your family will enjoy this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make shepherd's pie ahead of time? I'm not exactly Mary Berry in the kitchen!

Absolutely! The shepherd's pie filling and mashed potato topping can both be prepared a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, assemble the pie and pop it in the oven. This is a great way to save time, especially if you're having a proper Sunday roast kind of gathering.

What's the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie? I always get them mixed up!

It's a common confusion, a bit like knowing your crumbles from your cobblers! Shepherd's pie is traditionally made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef. Think of it this way: shepherds look after sheep (lamb), and cottages are often associated with cattle (beef). So if you're using this recipe, but fancy beef instead of lamb, you're making a cottage pie!

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any healthy swaps I can make in these shepherd's pie recipes?

Definitely! To lighten things up, you can use lean ground lamb or even turkey mince. Swapping out some of the potato in the mash for cauliflower is a great way to reduce carbs and up your veggie intake without compromising the texture too much. You could also use a lighter milk (semi-skimmed or even skimmed) for the mash and ensure you drain any excess fat when browning the meat. Small changes, big impact!

How long does shepherd's pie last in the fridge, and can I freeze it? I always make far too much!

Cooked shepherd's pie will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. It also freezes really well! Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in cling film and foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen shepherd's pie can last for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.

My shepherd's pie filling is a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour?

No one wants a bland shepherd's pie! A good starting point is to ensure you're browning the lamb well - that's where a lot of flavour comes from. You can also add a dash more Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a bay leaf to the filling while it simmers. A good quality beef stock makes all the difference too – look for one that's rich and concentrated. And don't be shy with the salt and pepper!

Can I add other vegetables to my shepherd's pie? I want to get my five-a-day in!

Absolutely! Shepherd's pie is really flexible. Swede, parsnips, or even finely chopped mushrooms would work wonderfully in the filling. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook through evenly. You can also add a layer of cooked vegetables like green beans or broccoli underneath the mash for an extra healthy twist. Go wild – it's your pie, after all!

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