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Rachael Ray Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Rachael Ray Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Rachael Ray’s shepherd’s pie is a recipe that always gets everyone excited at my house!

The word is they love how I make the potatoes creamy but firm enough to hold their shape (so they don’t sink into the filling!).

A trick I’ve picked up is to sauté the onions and carrots for an extra minute to bring out their sweetness.

The Worcestershire sauce in this recipe is not to be skipped—it gives the dish its deep, rich base!

Make sure you spread the potatoes evenly, all the way to the edges, to seal in the juices as it bakes!

Be sure to let it rest before serving, or you’ll lose all that savory filling to your serving spoon.

How to Make Rachael Ray Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Potatoes
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 2 tbsp EVOO
  • 1 3/4 lbs Ground Lamb
  • 1 Carrot (chopped)
  • 1 Parsnip (chopped)
  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1/3 cup Sour Cream
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are tender.

This should take about 12 minutes.

Drain and mash them with butter, sour cream, and egg yolk until smooth.

Step 2:

Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the EVOO.

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and parsnip.

Sauté these for around 5 minutes until they soften.

Step 3:

Add the ground lamb to the skillet.

Cook until browned, breaking up any lumps.

Sprinkle in flour, stirring for about a minute to combine.

Step 4:

Pour in the beef broth and stir.

Let it simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 more minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5:

Spread the meat mixture in an oven-safe dish.

Top it with the mashed potatoes evenly and place under a broiler until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

rachael ray shepherd's pie in a baking dish

Smooth Mashed Potatoes:

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, always start with cold water when boiling, and be sure to salt generously.

Aromatic Flavor Boost:

Adding a bay leaf to your meat mixture while it simmers can bring a deep aroma to the dish.

Textural Contrast:

If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or cheese on top before broiling to get a crispier finish.

Meal Prep Friendly:

This dish can be prepared a day ahead, just assemble it and store in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

Broiling Watch:

Keep an eye on your shepherd’s pie while it’s under the broiler, so it doesn’t over-brown or burn the top!

What to Serve with Rachael Ray Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Steamed Green Beans

You can’t go wrong with a side of steamed green beans to accompany Rachael Ray’s shepherd’s pie recipe.

Their light and refreshing flavor complements the rich and hearty filling of the pie perfectly.

To make them even more flavorful, you can toss the cooked beans with a little butter and some lemon zest.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Another fantastic idea is to serve roasted Brussels sprouts alongside the shepherd’s pie.

The crispy texture of the sprouts, with their slightly bitter taste, pairs beautifully with the savory goodness of the pie.

I like to add a sprinkle of garlic powder and a dash of balsamic vinegar for an extra kick.

Mixed Green Salad

A bright and colorful mixed green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dense pie.

Combine fresh greens like spinach, arugula, and radicchio, and toss them with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

You can finish it off with a light vinaigrette for added tanginess.

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

For something more adventurous and unique, try a cheesy cauliflower bake.

It’s creamy and cheesy, which adds another layer of flavor to your meal.

Roasted cauliflower florets work best, and you can add sharp cheddar for extra flair.

Parmesan Garlic Bread

Parmesan garlic bread makes a delicious and comforting side dish that everyone loves.

Soft on the inside with a crunchy crust, it’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from the pie.

Just slice a baguette, spread garlic butter topped with Parmesan cheese, and toast until golden brown.

Variations and Substitutions

Creative Potato Options

You can substitute mashed cauliflower for the classic mashed potatoes to give the dish a low-carb twist.

Using sweet potatoes can add a touch of sweetness and a colorful hue to your shepherd’s pie.

Dairy-Free Choices

For a dairy-free version, replace the cream and sour cream with coconut milk or almond milk.

Nutritional yeast can be used to offer a cheesy flavor without using dairy-based cheese.

Meat Alternatives

Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer lighter meats.

For vegetarians, replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Flavor Enhancements

Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can add depth and aromatic flavors to your pie.

Incorporating garlic or onion powder into your mashed potatoes can provide an extra layer of taste.

Broth and Stock Variations

Either vegetable or chicken broth serves as a suitable lighter alternative to cream.

Using a mushroom-based broth can introduce a savory, earthy flavor to the dish.

How to Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie

Refrigerator Storage

You can store leftover shepherd’s pie in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out a portion and reheat it to your liking.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, you can freeze the shepherd’s pie for two to three months.

Wrap the pie tightly in foil, then place it in an airtight freezer container.

Label the container with the date so you know when you froze it.

Thawing Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen shepherd’s pie, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent any unwanted bacteria growth.

Once thawed, you can reheat and enjoy your delicious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Potatoes

You might be tempted to whip the potatoes into submission, but over-mixing can lead to a starchy, gluey mess.

For a fluffy texture, mash them until just smooth and try not to overdo it.

Too Much Liquid in the Filling

Adding excessive liquid to the filling can result in a soggy pie, which nobody wants!

Use thickening agents like flour or cornstarch sparingly to keep the consistency just right.

Not Seasoning Properly

Forgetting to properly season your pie will mute its delicious flavors.

Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to bring out the best in your dish.

rachael ray shepherd's pie recipe

Rachael Ray Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Rachael Ray’s shepherd's pie is a recipe that always gets everyone excited at my house!
The word is they love how I make the potatoes creamy but firm enough to hold their shape (so they don’t sink into the filling!).
A trick I’ve picked up is to sauté the onions and carrots for an extra minute to bring out their sweetness.
The Worcestershire sauce in this recipe is not to be skipped—it gives the dish its deep, rich base!
Make sure you spread the potatoes evenly, all the way to the edges, to seal in the juices as it bakes!
Be sure to let it rest before serving, or you’ll lose all that savory filling to your serving spoon.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Potatoes
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 2 tbsp EVOO
  • 1 3/4 lbs Ground Lamb
  • 1 Carrot chopped
  • 1 Parsnip chopped
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1/3 cup Sour Cream
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are tender.
  • This should take about 12 minutes.
  • Drain and mash them with butter, sour cream, and egg yolk until smooth.
  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the EVOO.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrot, and parsnip.
  • Sauté these for around 5 minutes until they soften.
  • Add the ground lamb to the skillet.
  • Cook until browned, breaking up any lumps.
  • Sprinkle in flour, stirring for about a minute to combine.
  • Pour in the beef broth and stir.
  • Let it simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 more minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spread the meat mixture in an oven-safe dish.
  • Top it with the mashed potatoes evenly and place under a broiler until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes.

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