I love cooking Shepherd’s Pie for my clients and family. It’s one of those comfort foods that always hits the spot. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time without sacrificing any of its rich, comforting flavor. Who doesn’t love a savory pie that tastes just like Grandma used to make?
Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a version made with beef is technically called Cottage Pie. I chose to use locally raised Texas beef, but you can easily substitute ground turkey or lamb. We're fortunate to have so many wonderful Hill Country farmers who provide fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 organic russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 5 tablespoons of organic or European butter
- 1 cup of organic whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Meat Filling
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon of organic butter
- 1 pound of local ground Texas beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of organic frozen or fresh peas
- 1 (6-ounce) can of organic tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup of sherry cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon of organic all-purpose or gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, seasoned salt, sea salt, and black pepper
Topping
- 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan
- Butter pats
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Directions
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender; drain. Return to the pot and mash with butter, milk, cream, garlic salt ,and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet; remove. Add olive oil and butter to the skillet. Cook onion until softened, then stir in garlic. Sprinkle with flour and cook for one minute.
- Add carrots, peas, cooked beef, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sherry and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spread the meat mixture in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, Parmesan, butter pats, and flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. Broil for two to three minutes, if desired.
Serve with a fresh green salad featuring locally grown produce from your favorite farmers market.
And remember—always cook with joy and love!
MarissaFiskCatering.com | @modernmomchef