Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Savor the Comfort of Home with Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Nestled in the heart of traditional comfort food lies the Classic Shepherd’s Pie, a dish that effortlessly weaves together the richness of savory meat, the sweetness of vegetables, and the creamy delight of mashed potatoes. This recipe is a timeless tribute to homestyle cooking, bringing warmth and joy to any dinner table.

With each layer, the Shepherd’s Pie tells a story of simple ingredients transforming into a symphony of flavors. From the golden, slightly crisp top layer of mashed potatoes to the hearty, flavorful base of seasoned ground beef and vibrant vegetables, this dish is a celebration of textures and tastes.

Ideal for cozy family dinners, special gatherings, or even as a heartwarming meal to lift your spirits, this Classic Shepherd’s Pie is more than just food; it’s a comforting embrace in culinary form. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground lamb for a pub-style version)
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
• ¾ cup Heinz® Tomato Juice
• 2 tablespoons Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots)
• 3 cups cooked, warm, mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup warm milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and half of the salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often.
3. Brown the Beef: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Cook until browned. Sprinkle with flour and mix well.
4. Add the Flavors: Stir in ketchup, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, fold in the mixed vegetables. Transfer everything to a 9-inch baking dish.
5. Prepare the Potatoes: Whip the mashed potatoes with warm milk, the remaining salt and pepper, butter, and minced garlic until very fluffy. Spread the potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, until the potatoes are golden on top.

Recipe Tips

• Meatless Version: For a vegetarian twist, use 4 cups of chopped mushrooms instead of meat.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, increase the cooking time to 45 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pie.
• Enjoy with a Pint: For an authentic experience, enjoy your shepherd’s pie with a pint of your favorite ale.