Sara's Shepherds Pie

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Sara's Shepherd's Pie, a hearty classic with a modern twist that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe brings together a savory filling of ground beef or lamb, sautéed with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, all simmered with thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and a rich tomato-based broth. Topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and an optional layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection. Ready in just a little over an hour, Sara's Shepherd's Pie is an easy yet impressive meal, offering the ultimate balance of wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to create a thick sauce. Add frozen peas, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6

While the filling is simmering, place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 7

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk if needed for desired consistency.

Step 8

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the filling from bubbling out.

Step 9

If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the mashed potatoes.

Step 10

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping starts to turn golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy Sara's Shepherd's Pie with a crisp green salad or crusty bread on the side!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2733.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3325.8

Total Fat 190.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 557.9mg	0%
Sodium 4425.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 290.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 41.7g
Protein 136.4g	0%

Vitamin D 65.7IU	0%
Calcium 1011.8mg	0%
Iron 27.3mg	0%
Potassium 8265.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 34.0%