Easy Shepherd Pie Recipe

You can either start from scratch with this easy shepherd pie recipe, and use raw meat, or use the leftovers from a roast joint, with all the fat removed and the meat finely chopped in a food processor. The flavour and texture will be slightly different, but either works well. The classic meat is lamb – which is why this is called shepherd or shepherd’s pie – but you can use minced beef instead if you prefer. If you do use raw meat, buy the best quality minced or ground meat you can afford. Cheaper versions are usually full of fat.

Reduce the fat content of the meat as much as possible, by browning the meat in a frying pan until the fat runs out. Then tip the meat on to a plate covered with a couple of layers of kitchen paper, and pat more paper down on top, to absorb as much fat as possible. You can also adapt this easy shepherd pie recipe to use less meat - see the suggestions at the end of the recipe.

EASY SHEPHERD PIE RECIPE

Serves 4 Soften a chopped onion and 2 crushed cloves of garlic in a little oil over a gentle heat. Meanwhile, remove fat from meat as described above. Add the meat to the onion and garlic, and stir well. Add 1 can chopped tomatoes, 100ml (scant ½ cup) red wine, good dash of Worcester sauce, a generous pinch of dried mixed herbs or a 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves and 2tbsp tomato puree. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 1hr. You can reduce the cooking time if you ‘re in a hurry, but long slow cooking gives a deeper flavour.

While the meat is cooking, prepare and cook enough potatoes to give approximately 500g (5 ½ cups) mashed potato. Mash with a little low fat spread and skimmed milk.

Preheat the oven to 350F/180C/gas 4. Place the meat in an oven proof dish and spread the mashed potato over, roughing up the surface with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes, until the potato is browned.

Variations

• Reduce the amount of meat, and add drained, canned beans (flageolet, kidney beans, borlotti), chick peas or even baked beans (choose the low sugar/low salt type).
• Add cooked peas, or diced cooked carrot to the meat mixture.
• Try a topping of sliced potatoes for a change – this recipe for Spring Shepherd’s Pie shows you how.

Serve this easy shepherd pie recipe with two portions of vegetables, for a really filling meal. Try broccoli and carrots, peas and zuccini, or roast some sliced peppers and onions alongside, for a piquant variation.

Click here to go back to the top of Easy Shepherd Pie Recipe.