Shepherd's pie, cottage pie, or in its French version hachis Parmentier is a comfort food made with a rich meaty sauce topped with creamy&cheesy mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re planning a big feast for St. Patrick’s Day, or just looking for some comforting meal prep for the week ahead, this easy Shepherd's Pie recipe is perfect for you.
Heat a heavy-based pan on medium heat and brown the mince until it releases its fat. Add olive oil if necessary and sauté the onions until lightly brown.
Add the garlic, sauté for another minute then add the celery and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the tomato paste and sprinkle on the flour, give it a stir.
Deglaze the pan with port and let it evaporate. Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil.
Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks and place them in a saucepan with plenty of cold water. Let the potatoes gently simmer for about 20 minutes or until soft.
Drain well and return the potatoes to the pan. Add the cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash using a masher until smooth.Add the cheese and egg yolks and give it a quick stir.
When the meat filling has cooled down, spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat sauce and cover completely. Fluff the top using a fork for extra crispiness.