This Ham Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy and comforting dish perfect for dinner. It’s made with tender ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and a veggie-packed filling.
You can’t go wrong with that warm, cheesy topping! I love to enjoy it with a side salad. It’s like getting a hug from your dinner plate! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: For a creamy mash, I love using Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavor. If you want to try something different, you can substitute with Russet potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
Dice Cooked Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham. If you don’t have any, diced chicken or turkey can work well too. Even mushrooms could offer a great flavor boost for a vegetarian option!
Ground Beef: While I used ground beef for heartiness, lean ground turkey or chicken are nice lighter options. A meat substitute like lentils or mushrooms can also be excellent for a vegetarian version.
Beef Broth: Feel free to swap beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a milder flavor. Homemade broth can elevate the dish, but store-bought works just fine too.
How Do I Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Getting the mashed potatoes just right is key to a delicious Ham Shepherd’s Pie. Start by boiling them in salted water until tender. Drain well to avoid watery mash. For creaminess, I recommend mashing them right in the pot. Add milk and butter while they’re still warm and keep mashing until smooth.
- Peel and chop potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Use a potato masher or ricer for the best texture.
- Add milk and butter gradually until you reach the consistency you love.
What’s the Best Way to Layer My Shepherd’s Pie?
Layering is important to achieve that delightful crust on top. I recommend spreading the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish first. Then, gently spoon the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out carefully. For added texture, use a fork to create little peaks and ridges; they’ll brown nicely in the oven.
Delicious Ham Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your chopped potatoes. Let them cook until tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Once done, drain them well, then mash the potatoes in the pot with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until they’re smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Meat:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Next, crumble in the ground beef, cooking it until it’s browned. Remember to break it apart with a spoon! If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
3. Add the Ham and Thicken the Mixture:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and diced cooked ham, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over your meat and veggie mixture, stirring it constantly to cook for one more minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring (this keeps it lump-free!). Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture come to a simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Stir in the green peas and then remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish or cast iron skillet, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and use a fork to create some ridges or fun patterns. These ridges will help the potatoes get golden and crispy!
5. Final Touch:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and lightly crisp. Once it’s done, don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ham Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Freeze Leftover Ham Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! After it has cooled, you can cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it. It will last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you prefer to skip the ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Ham Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. For added thickness, you can also use mashed potatoes without flour in the filling.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies—chopped bell peppers, corn, or even green beans can be great additions and will complement the dish nicely.
