Shepherds Pie the Ultimate Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving Comfort Food?
Fancy a proper feed, guv'nor? Ever wondered what the best viande hachee recette is for a cold evening? This shepherd's pie recipe is your answer.
It's warm, it's hearty, and tastes like home, even if home is just your stomach.
Brief Overview: A Classic Reimagined
Shepherd's Pie, a cornerstone of British cuisine, is basically a hachis parmentier recipe 's cousin. This easy shepherd's pie recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort.
This ground beef recipes will happily feed 6-8 hungry bellies.
Main Benefits: Nourishing and Delicious
One of the best things about this dish? It's surprisingly balanced, offering protein and fibre. Plus, it's the perfect comfort food recipes for a Sunday roast or any rainy day.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings.
Gathering Your Bits and Bobs
Right, let's talk ingredients for our beef mince recipes . First, you'll need 2 lbs of ground beef or lamb mince recipes .
I’ve used both and honestly, lamb gives it that extra oomph , but beef works a treat too.
Next up, get your veg prepped: a large chopped onion, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Two minced garlic cloves will also do the trick.
Grab your herbs and spices from the cupboard. You'll need thyme and rosemary.
Oh my gosh, I nearly forgot the potatoes! You'll need 3 lbs of russet potatoes for the topping. A splash of milk, a knob of butter, and a sprinkle of cheese (if you're feeling fancy) will bring it all together.
Basically, this cottage pie recipe is one of the best ground meat recipes for a reason, innit?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you fancy a go at making Shepherd's Pie? Good on ya! It's proper comfort food , innit? We're talking about the ultimate viande hachee recette , or ground meat recipe .
Now, let's gather what you'll need to cook a beef mince recipes . Don't worry; this easy shepherd's pie recipe uses simple things, mostly.
Honestly, even if you're a bit rubbish in the kitchen, you can nail this.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
- Ground Lamb or Beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Go for a decent quality. Look for vibrant colour and minimal fat. This will affect the final flavor, you know?
- Onion: 1 large . Finely chopped no one wants massive chunks.
- Carrots: 2 medium . Diced. Adds sweetness and texture, plus it's good for ya.
- Celery: 2 stalks . Diced. A classic flavour base, can't skip it.
- Garlic: 2 cloves . Minced. Because everything's better with garlic.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For sautéing.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds richness and depth.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't need to be fancy, frozen's fine.
- Dried Thyme & Rosemary: 1 tsp (5ml) each . Essential for that proper flavour.
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving. Nobody wants to bite into that.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds a savoury, umami kick. Don't skip this!
- Russet Potatoes: 3 lbs (1.4kg) . For a fluffy mash.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) . None of that margarine nonsense!
- Cheddar Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup (60ml) . For a golden crust.
- Egg Yolk (Optional): 1 . For a richer mashed potato topping, like hachis parmentier recipe .
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
Thyme and rosemary are a match made in heaven for lamb or beef. Worcestershire sauce is key. Adds a great depth of flavour, that is necessary to make your lamb mince recipes the best ground meat recipes .
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go. If you don't have fresh herbs, use dried.
Italian seasoning works as a good substitute!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the meat and simmering the filling.
- Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Potato Masher or Electric Mixer: For the mash. Mixer makes it extra smooth, but a masher does the job just fine.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: For assembling the pie.
You can often use a large pot as a replacement for a dutch oven if you don't have one. Just make sure it's oven safe! Get creative, and don't worry if you don't have all the fancy kit.
You'll find the path to your perfect shepherd's pie recipe and create amazing ground beef recipes .
Shepherd's Pie: Your New Comfort Food Obsession
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Shepherd's Pie? It's the ultimate comfort food recipe , perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something warm and hearty.
We're diving deep into this classic minced meat recipes dish, making it super easy to follow, even if you're not a seasoned chef.
This isn't just a recipe, it's about creating a feeling a proper hug in a dish! What is even better is it's an amazing ground beef recipes , but lamb mince is also super delicious!
Prep Like a Pro for Viande Hachee Recette (Ground Meat Recipe)
Getting your "mise en place" sorted is key. Chop your 1 large onion , dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks .
Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Honestly, this prep work makes the cooking process so much smoother. It really helps you avoid that frantic "Oh my gosh, where's the garlic?!" moment mid-cook.
And speaking of safety, remember to always use a sharp knife and watch those fingers! Nobody wants a trip to A&E instead of a cottage pie recipe .
Building Your Best Ever Shepherd's Pie: step-by-step
- Get those potatoes boiling! Peel and quarter 3 lbs (1.4kg) russet potatoes , then boil in salted water until tender.
- Sauté those veggies! Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook your onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown that Meat! Add 2 lbs (900g) ground lamb or ground beef and cook until browned. Make sure you drain off any excess grease. No one wants a greasy Shepherd's Pie.
- Flavor Bomb Time! Stir in 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste , 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme , 1 tsp (5ml) dried rosemary , 1 bay leaf , and 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce . Cook for 1 minute. Worcestershire sauce is your secret weapon for adding depth.
- Simmer Down! Pour in 1 cup (240ml) beef broth and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce thickens.
- Pea-se the Palate! Stir in 1 cup (240ml) frozen peas and cook for 2- 3 minutes . Season with salt and pepper. Remove that bay leaf, it's done its job!
- Mash it UP! Drain potatoes and mash with 1/2 cup (120ml) milk , 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter , salt, pepper, and optional 1 egg yolk . Set aside.
- Assembly Time! Transfer the meat filling to a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish . Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup (60ml) grated cheddar cheese (if you're feeling fancy).
- Bake time! Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
Shepherd's Pie Recipe : Pro Tips
Want to elevate your easy shepherd's pie recipe ? First, make sure you brown that meat properly! It's all about building flavor.
Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the pan. Give the meat some space to brown, not steam. Honestly, it makes a massive difference.
You can totally make the filling a day ahead. It actually tastes better the next day, after the flavours have had time to meld.
Just store it in the fridge and assemble when you're ready. A little bit of planning can save you loads of time.
So there you have it! The most delicious hachis parmentier recipe , aka, shepherd's pie, ever. A proper beef mince recipes meal. It’s amazing, innit? Perfect for those chilly nights.
Okay, so you've got your Shepherd's Pie ready to go. But hold on, there's more! Let's chat about how to make it even better.
These minced meat recipes , particularly this easy shepherd's pie recipe , are all about the little things. Honestly, these are the bits that really make a difference.
Let's dive into some recipe notes!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Pie!
Plating Like a Pro
Listen, you can just slap it on a plate, but why would you? For presentation, think rustic charm. A generous scoop, maybe a sprig of parsley.
Swirl those creamy potatoes with a fork. A quick run under the broiler gives a lovely golden crust. If you're feeling fancy, individual ramekins always look posh.
Viande hachee recette this good deserves to be shown off!
As a kid, my nan always served cottage pie recipe with some crusty bread for dipping. Honestly? Game changer!
Serving It Right
This comfort food recipe practically screams for complementary sides. A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Think crisp lettuce, maybe a few tomatoes.
Don't underestimate a side of buttered greens either. They add a touch of freshness. As for drinks? A pint of ale, a glass of red, or even just a cup of tea works a treat.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? You're in luck! This shepherd's pie recipe is fantastic the next day. Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly and bung it in the fridge.
It will keep for up to 3 days, easy peasy. For freezing, wrap individual portions really well. It lasts for up to 3 months! Reheating? Oven is best, but a microwave works in a pinch.
Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through. Minimum internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Twists and Tweaks: Make It Your Own!
Want to mix it up? Go veggie! Swap the meat for lentils and use vegetable broth. Easy peasy! Seasonally, you can chuck in different veg.
Root vegetables in winter, courgettes in summer. And for a fun twist, try a sweet potato mash topping instead of regular spuds.
It gives a lovely sweetness. I had a friend who made hachis parmentier recipe that was absolutely spot on.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep it real. Shepherd's Pie isn't exactly a health food. But it's got protein, carbs, and some fibre.
Plus, all those veg add vitamins. It's all about balance, innit? Roughly 450-550 calories per serving, but that can vary loads depending on what you chuck in.
So, there you have it. All the bits and bobs to make your Shepherd's Pie the best . Don't be afraid to experiment! Honestly, half the fun is messing about in the kitchen.
Enjoy your uber best ground meat recipes creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this "viande hachee recette" Shepherd's Pie ahead of time? It looks like a bit of a faff!
Absolutely! In fact, Shepherd's Pie is a brilliant make-ahead dish. You can prepare the meat filling and even the mashed potato topping a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven.
It's like a culinary Tardis always ready when you need it!
I'm not a huge fan of lamb. Can I use ground beef for this viande hachee recette, and will it still be a "Shepherd's Pie"?
Good question! While traditionally Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb (hence the name!), using ground beef is perfectly acceptable. When made with beef, it's technically called Cottage Pie, but honestly, everyone just calls it Shepherd's Pie anyway. Feel free to substitute the flavour will still be delicious!
How long does Shepherd's Pie last in the fridge, and can I freeze it? I hate wasting food!
You're a legend for being eco-conscious! Shepherd's Pie will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, or store it in an airtight container. It'll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is Shepherd's Pie healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know?
Shepherd's Pie can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s not exactly a salad! It contains protein, carbohydrates, and some fibre. To make it healthier, consider using lean ground meat, reducing the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes, and loading up on the vegetables in the filling.
Portion control is also key - no need to go full Oliver Twist with "Please sir, I want some more!".
My mashed potatoes always turn out gluey. Any tips for getting that perfect, fluffy topping for this viande hachee recette?
Ah, the bane of many a home cook! The secret is to use starchy potatoes like russets, drain them really well after boiling, and warm the milk and butter before adding them. Avoid over mashing or using a blender, as that releases too much starch.
A potato ricer or a gentle hand with a masher will give you that cloud like texture you're after.
Shepherds Pie The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |