You may have spotted the Sainsbury campaign to Make Your Roast Go Further so as I’m always trying to cook economically I jumped at the chance to join in! I bought a lovely joint of beef and with some of the leftovers decided to make a Shepherd’s Pie. This was a bit of brave decision as the last one I’d made was at school and my children have refused to eat shop bought ones so it’s a dish we never have. My memory of my school experience was of the spoonfuls of potato disappearing into the beef/gravy mixture and it being a rather messy affair. This time I decided piping on the potato would solve any sinking issues and give a more even look.
I researched various Shepherd’s Pies and came up with this recipe in which I decided to use dried Porcini mushrooms (which I happened to have) and I have to say they gave a really intense richness to the dish. I did wish I’d had a mincer as chopping up the meat finely was quite a labour of love but the result was equally as good.
I was thoroughly rewarded for my effort as the result was 4 completely clean plates. I think the fact that it tasted nothing like the bland shop bought variety had a big part to play in this. I’ll definitely be making this again as it’s such a warming, comforting dish and a thoroughly good way to make your roast go further!
As this dish is made from scratch I am entering it in Javelin Warrior’s Made with Love Mondays event. I am also entering Karen at Lavender & Lovage’s Cooking with Herbs event as this dish uses mixed herbs. Next I am entering Elizabeth’s Kitchen’s No Waste Food Challenge as I have used up the beef and dried mushrooms that I had. Finally I am entering Credit Crunch Munch which I a hosting this month and run with Helen of Fuss Free Flavours as this dish is quite frugal especially if you use ordinary mushrooms.
Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- For mash topping:
- 700 g Potatoes peeled and quartered
- 25 g Butter
- 15 g Extra butter to dot on top
- Salt & Pepper
- For base:
- 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
- 1 Onion finely diced
- 10 g Dried Porcini mushrooms rehydrated or 50g Mushrooms, chopped
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- ½ tsp Dried English mustard powder
- ¼ tsp Mixed herbs
- 300 ml Beef or lamb stock made with 1 stock cube
- 350 g Cooked beef or lamb ground or finely chopped
- Pepper
Instructions
- Boil potatoes for 15 – 20 minutes in boiling water and then drain immediately (or they will go soggy).
- Meanwhile fry the onion gently in 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan for 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and fry for another minute.
- Add the tomatoes, ketchup, mustard powder, herbs, stock and pepper.
- Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a dish.
- Mash the potatoes with the butter, salt and pepper.
- Place the mash on the meat, (I find piping is the easiest option), then fluff up with a fork if desired.
- Dot the mash with flecks of butter and bake in the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes or until browned.
- Serve with your favourite vegetables.

Piping makes it easier to distribute the mashed potato!
Disclaimer: I was sent a shopping voucher by Sainsbury to cover the cost of my ingredients.
Sharon
This recipe always reminds me of my childhood at my grandparents 🙂
Camilla
Aah, love food memories;-)
Martin Heslip
I cook my veg with it, then let it cool…….my mash potato is made up of spuds, butter, a drop of milk, salt & pepper, (finely chopped celery and/or spring onions), optional….
Then spoon it on top and fluff it up with a fork……
Yummy……..Martin…..
Rahela
Love shepherd’s pie, I’ve got one in the freezer for tomorrow’s dinner
Martina Evans
One of my favorite winter warming dishes, thanks for the recipe!
Mike
I only need one serving so can I freeze the others?
Camilla
Yes that would be fine:-)