Shepherd's Pie
Our take on this British classic reduces the number of pots and pans typically required (many!) to just two. Ground beef and lamb are "slow" cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy, then covered with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that warms you to the tips of your toes. If you like a bit of crunch, brown the potato topping in the oven to finish.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
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The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2-3 (340g) medium potatoes, washed and peeled, cut into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) milk or half-and-half
- salt and black pepper, to taste
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ (60g) diced yellow onion
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped carrot
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3 oz (95g) lean ground beef
- 3 oz (95g) ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup (55ml) beef stock
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Make the mashed potatoes: Place the potato pieces in an Anyday Deep dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave for 9-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the milk or half-and-half, salt, and black pepper to the hot potatoes. With a fork, potato masher, or immersion blender, mash the potatoes until smooth. Cover and set aside.
- Make the filling: Place the oil, onion, carrots, garlic powder, and rosemary in an Anyday Shallow dish. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the meats and mix to combine. Add the tomato paste, cornstarch, stock, salt, and pepper and mix again. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring vigorously halfway through, until meat is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Flatten the meat filling in the Shallow dish, then cover with the reserved mashed potatoes.
- Warm covered for 1-2 minutes in the microwave, or brown the potato topping (uncovered) in the oven at 500°F for 3-5 minutes.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Sweet potato twist: Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique and slightly sweeter variation.
- Veggie boost: Add thawed peas into the filling for an extra serving of veggies and a pop of color. Discover more veggie recipes by exploring our collection here!
- Lighter option: For a leaner pie, substitute one of the meats with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
- Mushroom filling: Replace the meat or tofu with finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, savory filling. Consider using a mix of cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed base.
- Discover more mushroom recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Cook the meat filling ahead of time and freeze until needed.
- You can brown the potato topping (uncovered) in the oven at 500°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Shepherd’s Pie in the Microwave
What is Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's Pie is a classic British comfort food made with a savory meat filling topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally made with ground lamb, modern variations often include beef or a combination of the two for added flavor and heartiness.
Can I make Shepherd's Pie in the microwave?
Yes, this recipe was developed for the microwave! Using Anyday dishes saves significant time—cooking the mashed potato topping and meat filling in the microwave saves time compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods. It also reduces the number of dishes needed, simplifying cleanup for a quick and efficient way to prepare this comforting dish.
How long can I store Shepherd's Pie in the fridge?
Shepherd's Pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an Anyday dish. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Can I freeze Shepherd's Pie?
Yes, Shepherd's Pie freezes very well! You can freeze directly in the Anyday dish for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, reheat the dish straight from frozen in the microwave for a convenient and comforting meal.
What’s the best way to reheat Shepherd's Pie?
To reheat from the fridge, cover the dish with the lid and microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the meat filling is heated evenly. To reheat from frozen, microwave on full power for 4-8 minutes, depending on the portion size. For more tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog.
Can I make Shepherd's Pie dairy-free?
Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with plant-based options like vegan butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, or even vegetable stock for a creamy and dairy-free alternative.
Can I make Shepherd's Pie vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the ground beef and lamb with plant-based ground meat or a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and diced vegetables. This provides a hearty and flavorful vegetarian-friendly version. Discover more vegetarian recipes by exploring our collection here!
How can I brown the potato topping?
For a crispy, browned topping, transfer the cooked Shepherd's Pie to a 500°F (260°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. For extra flavor, brush the top with melted butter before browning.
