Alton Brown Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Alton Brown Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is made with ground lamb, russet potatoes, carrots, onion, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. This recipe creates a hearty, savory meat pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It takes about 2 hours to prepare and serves 8.

Alton Brown Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced carrot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen English peas

How To Make Alton Brown Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400ºF and place rack in the middle position.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cube potatoes, place in a pot with 1 tablespoon salt and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, 8–10 minutes.
3. Warm Dairy Mixture: Microwave half-and-half and butter until warm, about 35 seconds.
4. Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes, mash, then stir in warm dairy, 1 teaspoon salt, and egg yolk until smooth. Set aside.
5. Cook Vegetables: Heat oil in a skillet, add onion, carrot, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook 5 minutes, then add garlic.
6. Brown the Meat: Add lamb, pepper, curry powder, rosemary, thyme, and remaining salt. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Build the Sauce: Stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Add tomato paste, chicken stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
8. Add Peas and Top with Potatoes: Stir in peas. Spoon mashed potatoes over meat and smooth the top.
9. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden.
10. Cool and Serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a big boost of flavor.
• Mash Potatoes Thoroughly: Smooth mashed potatoes create the perfect topping.
• Brown the Lamb Well: It enhances the dish’s depth and savory flavor.
• Microwave Dairy Carefully: Warming the butter and half-and-half prevents cooling the potatoes.
• Let It Rest: Allowing it to cool helps the layers set before serving.

What To Serve With Shepherd’s Pie

This savory pie pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttered green beans. A glass of red wine or a cold ale complements the rich lamb flavor nicely.

How To Store Shepherd’s Pie

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 26g
• Sodium: 680mg

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef is a common substitute and works well in this dish.

Do I have to use curry powder?
No, but it adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the meat filling.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy texture.

How do I get a golden top?
Use an offset spatula to smooth the top and bake uncovered for browning.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Eggnog Recipe
• Alton Brown Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
• Alton Brown Mac And Cheese Recipe