Name: Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; 1½ pounds ground lamb; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil for sautéing

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If you’re craving pure comfort food bliss, look no further than Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie. This irresistible dish wraps up savory lamb, sweet vegetables, and impossibly fluffy Parmesan mashed potatoes in one bubbling casserole. Every forkful is a warm hug—rich, hearty, and satisfying yet remarkably easy to create. Whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly night or gathering friends for a cozy dinner, Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie is destined to become a treasured favorite in your own kitchen.

Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie are refreshingly simple, but each one plays a key role in building robust flavors and a lovely presentation. Sourcing quality produce and lamb makes all the difference, so don’t be afraid to choose the freshest you can find for a truly memorable meal.

Ground lamb: The heart of this pie—authentic and deeply flavorful, lamb gives the filling a rich, traditional taste.
Russet potatoes: With their starchy texture, they mash up light and creamy for the ultimate potato topping.
Yellow onion: Delivers sweetness and depth, caramelizing beautifully in the filling.
Carrots: Add a gentle sweetness and wonderful color contrast—don’t skip them!
Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory notes and brings a subtle richness you can taste in every bite.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash gives the filling bright, tangy complexity that makes the lamb shine.
Beef broth: Layers in a deep, savory base for a finished filling that’s utterly crave-worthy.
Fresh thyme leaves: Just a teaspoon transforms the entire dish with fresh, earthy aroma—use dried if needed!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all the best flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly into the mashed potatoes, creating luxurious texture and buttery flavor.
Whole milk: Give your potatoes extra creaminess—no skim or low-fat here, please!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty richness and a subtle golden finish on top.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes so they cook evenly and quickly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a steady boil. The cold water ensures the potatoes cook through evenly—no gluey spots! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re easily pierced with a fork, usually after 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, then mash them right away with butter, milk, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt for mashed potatoes that are cloud-like and full of flavor. Set aside and prepare for the irresistible scent that’s about to fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the potatoes cook, grab your largest, coziest skillet and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Toss in diced onion and carrots, letting them soften over medium heat. Stir occasionally—this step shouldn’t be rushed since a gentle sauté draws out natural sweetness. After 8 to 10 minutes, they’ll be soft and fragrant, laying the foundation for the pie’s signature savory-sweet flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Lamb

Add the ground lamb right into the pan with the onions and carrots. Break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it brown deeply on all sides. You want lots of little crispy edges—those add so much depth. As the meat caramelizes, its juices blend beautifully with the veggies, and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible!

Step 4: Build the Filling’s Flavor

Once your lamb is browned, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. The tomato paste thickens things up and clings to all those lovely little nooks. Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble for about 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will reduce slightly and the flavors meld, creating a deeply satisfying, savory filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the rich, bubbling filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Working gently, spread your mashed potatoes over the top—don’t worry if a little meat peeks through, it adds rustic charm! For Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie, a light crosshatch pattern made with a fork on top will lend that signature golden look as it bakes. Pop the dish into your 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and you see those glorious savory bubbles around the edge. Let it rest for five minutes before serving—you’ll thank yourself for the patience!

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives across the top brings a charming dash of color and herbal fragrance. For extra flair, grate a little more Parmesan over the potatoes straight out of the oven—those nutty notes are impossible to resist.

Side Dishes

Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie stands well on its own, but a crisp green salad and some simply-dressed peas or green beans round out the meal beautifully. The freshness of the sides balances the pie’s heartiness, brightening the whole plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins turn shepherd’s pie into adorable personal portions—great for dinner parties or special nights in. You can also portion the filling and potatoes into small cast iron skillets or oven-safe mugs for a rustic, inviting presentation everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover portions of Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie keep fabulously in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in airtight containers, and you’ll have an easy, crave-worthy lunch or dinner ready to reheat at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Assemble everything right up to the baking step, cover tightly with two layers of foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer—just add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop leftovers into a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved—just place a damp paper towel over the top to keep those potatoes moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef for the lamb?

Absolutely! Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie works beautifully with ground beef, or even a half-and-half mix for a milder flavor. Traditionalists often love lamb, but beef offers its own familiar comfort.

Can I make Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie ahead?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the casserole a day in advance, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. That extra time even gives the flavors a chance to deepen and meld.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

It is! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and butter for the mashed potatoes, and skip the Parmesan or try a dairy-free alternative. The results are still creamy and delicious.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

Traditionally, shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb, while cottage pie calls for ground beef. Both feature luscious meat fillings topped with mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection.

How do I get an ultra-crispy potato topping?

For an extra-crisp finish on Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes after baking—just watch closely so the topping doesn’t scorch. A little extra Parmesan on top also helps you achieve those irresistible golden peaks.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food has a crowning glory, it’s got to be Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie. Whether you make it as a weeknight treat or a special-occasion centerpiece, every bite is a celebration of warmth, flavor, and that unmistakable homemade goodness. Give it a try and see why this classic deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Ina Garten’s Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish featuring a savory lamb and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste

For the Filling:

1½ pounds ground lamb
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, Parmesan, and salt.
Cook the Filling: Sauté onion and carrots, add lamb, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Simmer until thickened.
Assemble and Bake: Spread meat mixture in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, create a pattern, and bake until golden and bubbly.