Description
A comforting and hearty Cottage Shepherd’s Pie with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned, making sure to drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the frozen peas, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk (or cream), butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for this.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can create decorative swirls with a fork if you like.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a vegetarian ground meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling.
- Sweet Potato Topping: For a sweeter twist, use sweet potatoes for the mashed potato topping.
- Cheesy Topping: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
- Freezing: Cottage Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Assemble the pie in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat filling for a spicier kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the meat filling, such as fresh parsley, chives, or oregano.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs well with Cottage Shepherd’s Pie.
- Serving Suggestions: Cottage Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed green beans for a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes