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Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip Topping is a warm and comforting dish combining a savory, slow-cooked meat filling with a creamy, naturally sweet parsnip mash topping. This recipe elevates the classic comfort food by adding a unique parsnip twist, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings with satisfying layers of flavor and texture.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)

Parsnip Topping Ingredients

  • 2 lbs parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Parsnip Topping: Peel and chop the parsnips into even pieces. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until very tender. Drain thoroughly, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Base Filling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground lamb or beef and cook until browned. Stir in diced carrots, peas, and fresh herbs, cooking for a few minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Build the Gravy: Pour in beef or vegetable broth. Simmer the filling gently until the liquid reduces and thickens into a rich gravy. Season with salt, pepper, and additional herbs to taste.
  4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, smoothing out the surface. Spread the creamy parsnip topping evenly over the filling, sealing the edges to prevent drying during baking.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh parsnips for a naturally sweeter, smoother mash.
  • Boil parsnips until just tender to avoid watery mash and maintain texture.
  • Use high-quality ground lamb or beef for better savory depth.
  • Ensure the filling gravy is well reduced to prevent soggy pie base and enhance flavor.
  • Let the pie rest before serving to allow the layers to set for perfect slices.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Parsnip Topping, Comfort Food, Ground Lamb, Ground Beef, Gluten Free, Classic British Dish