Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender minced lamb and a rich, flavorful gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This classic British dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a satisfying make-ahead meal. Mary Berry’s version ensures simplicity without compromising on taste, making it a favorite for all.
What is Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie?
Mary Berry’s shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish made with minced lamb cooked in a savory sauce with onions, carrots, and peas, and topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Unlike cottage pie, which uses beef, shepherd’s pie stays true to its roots by using lamb as the star ingredient.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: Warm, rich, and hearty.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Easy to make: Straightforward steps with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep: It can be made ahead and frozen.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
For the Filling:
- Minced lamb (500g): The base of the pie.
- Onions (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Frozen peas (100g): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Beef or lamb stock (300ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Adds depth to the flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): For richness and umami.
- Plain flour (1 tablespoon): To thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris Piper work best.
- Butter (50g): Adds creaminess.
- Milk (75ml): For a smooth mash.
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional, 50g): For a golden, crispy topping.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet: For cooking the filling.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Ovenproof dish: For assembling the pie.
- Potato masher: To prepare the mashed potatoes.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the lamb to the pan. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, stock, and peas. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the shepherd’s pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spoon the lamb mixture into an ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a fork to create a textured surface. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the shepherd’s pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed greens or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
- Steamed green beans: Adds freshness and color.
- Roasted root vegetables: Complements the rich flavors.
- Pickled red cabbage: Offers a tangy contrast.
- Fresh salad: Lightens the dish with crisp textures.
- Crusty bread: Great for mopping up the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
- Use fresh herbs: Adding thyme or rosemary to the filling enhances the flavor.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Simmering the filling allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Fluff the mash: Use a fork to create peaks in the mashed potatoes for a crispy top.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the filling before assembling to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
- Use leftovers creatively: Shepherd’s pie makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
- Vegetarian version: Swap lamb for lentils or plant-based mince.
- Sweet potato topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Add extra vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, parsnips, or leeks for variety.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or paprika to the filling for warmth.
- Cheesy mash: Mix grated cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Yes, shepherd’s pie can be made ahead. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef. Both are topped with mashed potatoes and baked.
Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
Yes, shepherd’s pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I prevent mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?
Let the filling cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This helps create a firm base, preventing the topping from sinking.
Final Words
The Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ready to enjoy a slice of traditional British cuisine? Try this recipe today and savor every bite!
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Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish made with minced lamb cooked in a savory sauce with onions, carrots, and peas and topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Unlike cottage pie, which uses beef, shepherd’s pie stays true to its roots by using lamb as the star ingredient.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Minced lamb (500g): The base of the pie.
- Onions (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Frozen peas (100g): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Beef or lamb stock (300ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Tomato purée (1 tablespoon): Adds depth to the flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): For richness and umami.
- Plain flour (1 tablespoon): To thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris Piper work best.
- Butter (50g): Adds creaminess.
- Milk (75ml): For a smooth mash.
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional, 50g): For a golden, crispy topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the gravy
- Return the lamb to the pan. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, stock, and peas. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the shepherd’s pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spoon the lamb mixture into an ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a fork to create a textured surface. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the shepherd’s pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed greens or a crisp salad for a complete meal
