– **Title**: Gordon Ramsay’s Shepherd’s Pie
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato purée
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
– 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots, then sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the ground lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Add chopped rosemary and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. While the lamb mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
6. Mash the potatoes with milk and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spread the lamb mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out with a spatula. If using, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Lamb: This is the star of the dish, offering rich flavor. If lamb isn’t your thing, ground beef works well, turning it into a Cottage Pie. Turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter option.
Onion and Carrots: These veggies add sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a change, shallots can replace onions for a milder flavor, while any other root veggie like parsnips can join the carrots for more sweetness.
Beef or Lamb Stock: Using homemade stock adds great taste, but store-bought works too. If you’re in a pinch or want a lighter flavor, vegetable stock is a nice substitute.
Fresh Thyme: This herb brings aroma and taste. Dried thyme can be used instead, but remember, it’s more potent—use just 1 teaspoon. Alternatively, rosemary can give a different but delicious flavor.
Potatoes: Traditional potatoes make a creamy mash, but you can mix in sweet potatoes for a twist in flavor. For a low-carb option, try using cauliflower instead.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy, Fluffy Mashed Potato Topping?
Mashing potatoes can seem simple, but getting the right texture requires attention. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture.
- Boil them until tender, but avoid overcooking to keep them from being watery.
- For a ultimate creamy finish, warm your milk and butter before adding. It helps the potatoes absorb better.
- Mash them with a potato masher or a ricer for an extra smooth consistency. Avoid using a food processor as it can make them gummy.
How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 pounds ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 cup beef or lamb stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 55 minutes for cooking and baking, making a total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy dish to prepare and is perfect for family dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Meat Filling:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven is heating, grab a large skillet and add the ground lamb (or beef). Cook it over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to remove any excess fat from the skillet—it’ll make the dish better!
2. Add Vegetables:
Now, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic into the skillet with the meat. Stir and cook these together for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. It will smell delicious!
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Next, stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. You’ll want to cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors blend together beautifully.
4. Create the Filling Base:
Pour in the beef or lamb stock and bring it to a simmer. Let this cook for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens a bit. Then, stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. After everything is combined, remove it from the heat.
5. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
While your meat mixture is cooking, boil the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Mash It Up:
Add the milk and butter to the drained potatoes. Using a masher, mash everything until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t forget to season the mash with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor!
7. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Grab a baking dish and spoon the meat mixture into the bottom. Then, spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly on top. To make it look nice, grab a fork and create some texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
8. Optional Cheese Time:
If you want a cheesy topping, sprinkle some grated cheese over the mashed potatoes. It will melt beautifully as it bakes!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place your Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly—just a few minutes—before serving. Scoop out a hearty portion and enjoy your homemade Shepherd’s Pie. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Lamb?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer a Cottage Pie, just swap the ground lamb for ground beef. The flavors will still be delicious, and the cooking process remains the same.
How to Make It Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat for lentils or a mix of mushrooms and chopped vegetables. Use vegetable stock instead of beef or lamb stock, and follow the same cooking instructions for the filling.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, assemble the pie and bake as directed. It might take a few extra minutes to cook if the mixture is cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
