Classic Shepherd’s Pie

I had to make this classic recipe for the show this winter. Shepard’s Pie is a very popular recipe the world over for good reason. It’s comforting, hearty, and is made with easy-to-find ingredients available in almost every single country. In Greece we make this a lot with lamb since it’s so readily available. However, you can easily make it with beef if that’s more accessible for you. I recommend trying it with each meat at least once so you can decide what your family likes best! 

I approach making this like a do a Pastitsio or a big lasagna. I get all the ingredients out and set to work on each component. It takes time to make everything from scratch, then they pieces are assembled in a big casserole dish in the end and popped into the oven. Since this casserole contains peas, I usually consider that the vegetable course for the meal, but you can make a side salad while the pie is cooking if you’d like! 

When this comes out of the oven it’s literally heaven in your kitchen. The whole room will smell incredible and you’ll have a lovely, bubbly casserole to serve your family and friends. Since this is so rich and hearty you don’t need to scoop out big portions for everyone. You simply need to let everyone help themselves, or serve one scoop and let people go back for seconds if you they want more. For the adults I recommend a hearty red wine or dark beer. This is such a flavorful meal it can stand up really well to a sturdy drink. For kids, a soda or seltzer is perfect! 

Shepard’s Pie is a great dish that’s going to make the whole family happy. Add it to a buffet or start turning it out at holidays to make it a tradition. Enjoy! 

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:For the filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef for cottage pie)

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 carrots (diced)

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 1/4 cup beef broth (or lamb broth)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

   • Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

   • Drain and mash the potatoes, adding milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the filling:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

   • Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and peas, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

   • Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, smoothing with a spatula to cover completely.

4. Bake and serve:

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

   • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.