Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This traditional recipe features tender ground lamb (or beef, if preferred), a mix of vegetables, and a creamy layer of mashed potatoes, all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of meal that’s both filling and flavorful, making it perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
The foundation of Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is the savory filling. Ground lamb, cooked with onions, carrots, and peas, provides a rich, meaty base that is hearty and satisfying. The mixture is simmered in a savory gravy made from broth, herbs, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, giving the filling a depth of flavor. The meat and vegetables come together in perfect harmony, with the earthy richness of the lamb complementing the sweetness of the carrots and the slight freshness of the peas.
The mashed potatoes are the crowning glory of this dish. Creamy, buttery, and smooth, they’re spread generously over the top of the meat filling, creating a comforting layer that holds everything together. As the pie bakes, the top of the potatoes becomes golden brown and slightly crispy, offering a delightful contrast to the tender filling beneath. For an extra touch of richness, some grated cheese can be sprinkled on top before baking, giving the pie an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
Shepherd’s Pie is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to your tastes. You can swap the lamb for ground beef for a Cottage Pie variation, or add extra vegetables like corn or mushrooms for added flavor. This dish is perfect for leftovers as the flavors continue to develop, and it’s a meal that everyone will love. Whether served with a side of salad or enjoyed on its own, Shepherd’s Pie is a classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 bag tater tots seasoned
- can sweet corn
- 1 lb shredded cheese for this i like mozzarella, any
- can spaghetti sauce your favorite
- tablespoon garlic minced fresh
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brown the sausage, adding the onion and mixing until done.
- While cooking the sausage, microwave the bag of tater tots for about 5 minutes or until soft.
- Spray an 8×11-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
- Spread 1/4 of the tater tots evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- Add 1/4 of the sausage on top of the tots, spreading it evenly without mixing too much.
- Add 1/4 of the corn on top of the sausage.
- Sprinkle 1/2 of the cheese evenly over the corn.
- Pour 1/2 of the sauce over the cheese.
- Add the remaining tater tots in a layer on top of the sauce.
- Add the remaining sausage on top of the tots.
- Spread the remaining corn over the sausage.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the corn.
- Finish by topping with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
