Grease a 2 ½ quart baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Heat a large pan over low-medium heat. Add the oil and carrots, and cook until the carrots begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add the onions, and continue to cook until the onions become translucent, another 5-7 minutes. Next add the garlic, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup white onion, 2 garlic cloves
Place the beef or lamb in the pan along with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Break apart the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
1 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sprinkle flour over the beef, and stir to combine. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes then add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup red wine, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 bay leaves
Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat to a slow simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to a gravy. Add the frozen peas and additional salt and pepper if needed.
1 cup frozen peas
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Allow the filling to cool for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator before topping with mashed potatoes.
For the Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
2 to 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes
Add the butter, and use a potato masher to mash until the butter melts. Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to mash until smooth and creamy, then fold in the cheese. The potatoes should be spreadable and not too thin. Use additional milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ⅓ cup whole milk, ⅓ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup gruyere cheese
Spread the potatoes over the top of the meat filling. Use a fork to scrape texture into the potatoes. Drizzle with melted butter.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Place the dish on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the potatoes are browned. Serve hot.
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Notes
*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 cup of shepherd's pie. Actual calories will vary.
Nutrition Facts
Shepherd's Pie
Serving Size
1 cup
Amount per Serving
Calories
536
% Daily Value*
Fat
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
9
g
Cholesterol
72
mg
24
%
Sodium
604
mg
26
%
Potassium
1505
mg
43
%
Carbohydrates
57
g
19
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
4831
IU
97
%
Vitamin C
22
mg
27
%
Calcium
140
mg
14
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.