Old Fashioned Shepherd's Pie Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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This classic recipe is always a favorite because it is a great way to use up leftover vegetables (and even leftover gravy and mashed potatoes).

Old Fashioned Shepherd's Pie Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

1-2 hrs

3 reviews
1 comment


ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup beef gravy
2 cups corn (canned or frozen), peas or mixed vegetables
3 cups prepared, seasoned mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small bits
paprika to taste

directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

In a deep, oven-proof skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is cooked. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and gravy to the skillet and mix well.

Spread the corn over the beef mixture. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the corn. Use a fork to form a decorative pattern in the mashed potatoes, if desired.

Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with the butter and sprinkle with paprika.

Place the shepherd's pie in the oven and bake at 300 degrees F for 1 hour or until the potatoes are browned.

Remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the shepherd's pie hot.

added by

rec.food.recipes Lise Peter lpeter

recipe tips


For a more flavorful base, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste to the beef mixture.

If the mashed potatoes seem too thick to spread easily, mix in a little milk or beef broth to make them more pliable.

For a crispy top, broil the pie for the last few minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

To lighten up the dish, you can use lean ground beef or lamb and low-fat dairy options for the mashed potatoes.

Try different herbs like rosemary or sage in place of the thyme.

common recipe questions


Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, using ground lamb instead of beef would actually make this dish a traditional Shepherd's Pie, as the original version is made with lamb. If you use beef, it's often referred to as Cottage Pie. The preparation method remains the same, just substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground lamb.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Shepherd's Pie, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use a mixture of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, carrots, and celery. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and use vegetable gravy instead of beef gravy to keep the dish vegetarian.

How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

For creamier mashed potatoes, add extra butter or cream when preparing them. You could also mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for added richness. Make sure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned before spreading them on top of the pie.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Adding cheese to the mashed potatoes can provide additional flavor and a nice golden crust. Stir in some grated cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the pie. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can incorporate other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers into the ground meat mixture. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just cook them with the meat and onions to make sure they're tender.

Can I prepare the Shepherd's Pie in advance?

Yes, Shepherd's Pie is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out.


nutrition data for old fashioned shepherd's pie

375 calories, 20 grams fat, 32 grams carbohydrates, 17 grams protein per serving.



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reviews & comments for old fashioned shepherd's pie

  1. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    February 5, 2020

    great recipe but i leave the corn out/ instead i chopp up 4 or 5 nice big kosher dill pickles/mix them into the fried ground beef and mashed potatoes/plus the spices. but in casserole than cover the top with lightly fried onion rings/ bake in oven for 15 minutes on low,/ serve and GUTEN APPETIT !

  2. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    March 16, 2018

    This is the best recipe I have ever made. My four kids ask for it all the time!

  3. CherishTheseDays REVIEW:
    August 31, 2011

    We make this recipe a few times every summer -- when it's sweet corn season! I've made it a couple of times with a can of corn like it calls for, but we like it a lot better with fresh sweet corn! Sometimes it's leftover corn that I cut off the cob for this recipe; sometimes I just cut the uncooked corn off the cob directly into the casserole dish. This recipe is great and allows for "wiggle room". Sometimes I only use a pound (or pound and a half) of hamburger instead of two. Sometimes I use instant potatoes instead of "real" mashed potatoes. Sometimes I forget the onion. I usually use Velveeta instead of American cheese. And our preferred topping of choice for casseroles is dry chicken StoveTop stuffing mixed with melted butter.A wonderful recipe that you can't mess up!

  4. Guest Foodie April 11, 2006

    In the UK this is called a Cottage pie (being made with beef) Shepherds pie is made with Minced lamb (hence the Shepherd!!) but tasty which ever way you make it.

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Old Fashioned Shepherd's Pie Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What is original shepherd's pie made of? ›

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!

Does shepherd's pie have gravy in it? ›

Talk about satisfying. Ground beef, vegetables, and gravy are baked under pillowy mashed potatoes. If it's not yet already, this will soon be a family favorite recipe.

What is a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in shepherd's pie? ›

“Try a combination of 1 part ketchup to ½ part soy sauce and ½ part malt vinegar to start," Malivert says, "and play with the proportions to balance the flavor.” Use this as a 1-to-1 substitute for Worcestershire sauce.

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 do people put ketchup on shepherds pie? ›

The mashed potatoes are also made with butter, onion, and Cheddar cheese. Vegetables: This shepherd's pie includes carrots and onions. Flour: All-purpose flour will thicken the beef gravy. Ketchup: Ketchup will add a little tang to the ground beef mixture.

What is Irish shepherd's pie made of? ›

It's a hearty dish with origins in the United Kingdom and Ireland composed of a ground meat cooked in gravy, onions, carrots, celery, and a mashed potato crust (can be top and bottom, or just top).

Why does shepherd's pie need to go in the oven? ›

Both ingredients are already cooked so it really only needs to be in the oven long enough for the potato to form a golden brown crust on top. Minced or ground beef is used for a Cottage Pie not a Shepherds pie.

Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›

Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.

Does shepherd's pie have cheese in it? ›

Brown meat in a large skillet. While the meat is browning, mix potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and garlic until well blended. Drain meat. Return to skillet; stir in vegetables and gravy.

What is a shepherd's pie called when it is made from beef? ›

In 20th-century and later use the term cottage pie has widely, but not exclusively, been used for a dish of chopped or minced beef with a mashed potato topping. The beef may be fresh or previously cooked; the latter was at one time more usual.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of Worcestershire sauce? ›

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), with its tangy profile, is a versatile Worcestershire substitute that complements various dishes.

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

Tomato purée (boiled and strained tomatoes) works well as a tomato paste alternative. Since purée is much thinner than paste, you'll get the best results if you cook it over medium heat for about 10 minutes before adding it to your recipe — this will give you a slightly thicker consistency and more intense flavor.

How to stop mash potato sinking in shepherd's pie? ›

To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one. For a really crisp, golden topping, flash under the grill for a few mins before serving.

Why is my shepherd's pie so watery? ›

Why is my shepherd's pie runny? Generally, this is caused by using too much stock.

What to eat shepherd's pie with? ›

What to Serve With Shepherd's Pie: 20 Delicious Ideas for a Comforting Dinner
  • 01 of 21. Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread. ...
  • 02 of 21. Classic Caesar Salad. ...
  • 03 of 21. Honey Roasted Carrots. ...
  • 04 of 21. Quick and Easy Yorkshire Pudding. ...
  • 05 of 21. Green Salad. ...
  • 06 of 21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 07 of 21. Great Garlic Bread. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Feb 7, 2024

What meat is shepherd's pie made from? ›

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.

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

“Shepherd's pie” and “cottage pie” are used interchangeably, but technically traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb and traditional cottage pie is made with ground beef.

Why is shepherds pie called chinese pie? ›

Most workers ate their meat, potatoes and corn separately but workers of mainly Asian origins, combined their rations to create shepherd's pie, a more communal dish. The French-Canadian railway workers liked this new concoction, adopted the dish, and called it “pâté chinois”, which loosely translates to Chinese pie.

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