Go Back
Ina Garten Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Print

Ina Garten Shepherd's Pie Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas

As I settled in with friends for a cozy dinner, the aroma of Ina Garten’s Shepherd's Pie filled the room. It had me reminiscing about other crowd-pleasing comfort foods. 
If you pair this hearty dish with a simple side salad, something fresh like a Caesar or a mixed greens salad, you have a match made in culinary heaven.
Picture buttery lettuce, crisp croutons, and a tangy dressing balancing the richness of the pie. A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or even a light-bodied red could make for refreshing sips that elevate your meal. 
But let’s not get too carried away; the star of this gathering was Ina’s Shepherd's Pie.
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Keyword ina garten shepherd's pie recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 392kcal
Cost $

Ingredients

For the Topping:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup full-fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters approximately 1 1/2 pounds
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into quarters around 1 1/4 pounds
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the Filling:

  • 2 pounds ground beef chuck
  • 4 slices of thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, diced
  • 2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 4 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped about 2 cups
  • 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Turnips

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled potatoes and turnips. Boil them until they're tender when pierced with a fork—around 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and return them to the pot.

Step 2: Mash It Up

  • With the potatoes and turnips back in the pot, mix in the butter and milk. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to create a smooth and creamy mixture. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper, then fold in chives and grated Parmesan cheese. Set this aside while you tackle the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables

  • In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving behind the drippings. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

  • Once the veggies are soft, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This is the time to add in the finely chopped mushrooms and thyme, stirring until mushrooms release their moisture and soften.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

  • Next, stir in the tomato paste, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture thickens nicely. Finally, fold in the crispy bacon, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

  • In a baking dish, pour the filling mixture evenly. Then, spread the creamy potato and turnip mixture over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. You can create some texture using the back of a fork, which can give it a nice crust when baked.

Step 7: Bake It Right

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the assembled pie into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The kitchen will have the most incredible aroma by now, and just wait until you dig in!

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on them.
  • Make Ahead: This shepherd's pie can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
  • Texture Matters: For extra creaminess in the mashed topping, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the potato mixture.
  • Don’t Rush the Browning: Let the beef brown properly. This develops the flavor, creating a richer filling.
  • Go for Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality beef can elevate your shepherd's pie tremendously.