Shepherd's Pie
8 servings
90 minutes
Shepherd's pie is a cozy, hearty dish from British cuisine that warms with its rich flavor. Its roots go back to the 18th century when rural residents made it from available ingredients. A tender potato layer hides a juicy filling of minced meat, onions, and carrots, simmered with aromatic tomato sauce and green peas. Baked to a golden crust, the pie combines the softness of mashed potatoes with the richness of the meat mixture. It's an ideal dish for a family dinner—nutritious, easy to prepare, and offering a sense of home comfort. In Britain, it is often served with green peas or fresh vegetables. Shepherd's pie symbolizes the traditions of rustic cooking where every detail of the recipe emphasizes the natural flavor accents of the ingredients.
1
Pour a little vegetable oil into the pan and add about 15 grams of butter. Add the minced meat in portions and fry, stirring constantly and breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon, until the meat turns brown. Transfer the minced meat to a bowl and set aside.
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 60 g
- Ground beef: 1 kg
2
Finely chop a large onion and grate a carrot. Put 15 grams of butter and a little vegetable oil in the pan and sauté the onion with the carrot for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Add the meat back to the pan. Add tomato sauce, broth, and finely chopped canned tomatoes; mix well. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens. Add peas, stir, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
- Butter: 60 g
- Onion: 1 head
- Carrot: 1 piece
- Tomato sauce: 140 g
- Beef broth: 3 tablespoons
- Canned tomatoes: 425 g
- Peas: 150 g
3
Peel the potatoes, cut them into large pieces, and place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 5-10 minutes until soft. Drain the water, add the remaining oil and milk, and salt to taste. Mix until a smooth creamy consistency is achieved.
- Potato: 3 pieces
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 60 g
- Salt: to taste
4
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Place the meat and vegetable mixture at the bottom of the dish, and top with mashed potatoes. Put the dish on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until a golden crust forms on the potatoes.