– **Title**: Shepherd’s Pie with Onion Gravy
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lbs potatoes)
– 1/2 cup milk (for mashed potatoes)
– 4 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
– Additional onion gravy (see below)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes**: Peel and chop the potatoes and boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Filling**: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and diced carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. **Add the Meat**: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground lamb (or beef). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. **Flavor the Filling**: Stir in the tomato paste, then add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened. Add frozen peas and stir to combine.
5. **Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie**: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spatula. Use a fork to create texture on the top if desired.
6. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. **Prepare the Onion Gravy**: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and sauté until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
8. **Serve**: Spoon the Shepherd’s Pie onto plates and drizzle with the onion gravy before serving.
Enjoy your hearty Shepherd’s Pie with rich onion gravy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Lamb or Beef: Lamb gives the classic shepherd’s pie taste, but if it’s hard to find or you prefer something leaner, ground beef works well too. Turkey or plant-based grounds can be good substitutes for a lighter dish.
Onions: You’ll need both diced onions for the filling and thinly sliced onions for the gravy. I often double the amount for more flavor! If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even green onions can substitute nicely.
Carrots: Use fresh carrots for best results. If you don’t have them, frozen carrots can be a convenient alternative, just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes form the comforting top layer. You can use any type like russet or Yukon gold. If you want to skip the peeling and boiling, instant mashed potatoes are a time-saver too.
Cheddar Cheese: Adding shredded cheese is optional, but it gives a lovely crust. If cheddar isn’t your favorite, try mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor. Vegan cheese works if you’re dairy-free!
How Can You Make the Perfect Onion Gravy?
Onion gravy adds a rich touch to your shepherd’s pie. Getting the onions caramelized just right is essential for great depth of flavor. Follow these steps carefully:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized—don’t rush this step!
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stir for a minute to cook it slightly.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring. Keep cooking until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Season to taste.
For extra richness, I sometimes add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the gravy. It brightens the flavor nicely!
Delicious Shepherd’s Pie with Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shepherd’s Pie:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, or use about 2 lbs of potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook. You’ll need around 55 minutes in total to prepare this comforting meal, which includes baking time and making the delicious onion gravy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready to go in!
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground lamb or beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned. If there’s a lot of grease, you can drain some off.
3. Add Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in the Flavors:
Now, add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Let this delicious mixture simmer for around 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
If you’re making mashed potatoes from scratch, peel and boil the potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with butter and milk until smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
6. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a baking dish. Then, layer the creamy mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out nicely. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish!
7. Bake the Pie:
Place your assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling with goodness.
8. Make the Onion Gravy:
While your pie is baking, let’s whip up the onion gravy! In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until it turns caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
9. Thicken the Gravy:
Once your onions are caramelized, stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring continuously to combine. Bring it to a simmer and cook until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When the Shepherd’s Pie is done baking, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve it up hot, drizzled with onion gravy and topped with fresh thyme. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Ground Lamb with Another Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground beef or even turkey, feel free to make that swap. Keep in mind that ground lamb provides a unique flavor, but other meats will work wonderfully in this dish as well. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to taste, as ground beef tends to be milder.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily transform this into a vegetarian shepherd’s pie by substituting the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra veggies or mushrooms for more texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook the lentils properly before mixing!
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver! Just prepare them according to the package instructions, then season to taste with salt, pepper, and a bit of butter or milk. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of heating!
