Curried Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (2024)

By Craig Claiborne and Pierre Franey

Curried Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (1)

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Rating
5(2,270)
Notes
Read community notes

This spiced version of the traditional English dish was developed in 1984 by Pierre Franey and Craig Claiborne for an article about budget-friendly meals. Here, the ground beef base is laced with curry powder, cumin and coriander then topped with a pile of fluffy, mashed potatoes dotted with green peas.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

  • 6Russet potatoes, about 2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • Salt to taste, if desired
  • 1tablespoon peanut, vegetable or corn oil
  • ¾cup finely chopped onions
  • 1tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1tablespoon curry powder
  • 1teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2pounds ground lean beef
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1cup crushed, canned imported tomatoes
  • ½cup fresh or canned chicken broth
  • 1teaspoon sugar
  • 2cups cooked fresh or frozen green peas
  • ½cup hot milk
  • 3tablespoons butter

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

321 calories; 12 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 26 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 30 grams protein; 787 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Curried Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Put the potatoes into a pot and add water to cover and salt to taste. Bring to the boil and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

  2. Step

    2

    As the potatoes cook, heat the oil in a skillet and add the onions and garlic over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted. Add the curry powder, cumin and coriander and cook briefly, stirring.

  3. Add the meat and cook, stirring down with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up the lumps. Add salt, pepper, the tomatoes, broth and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 20 to 30 minutes.

  4. Step

    4

    Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

  5. Step

    5

    Drain the potatoes and put them through a food mill or a potato ricer back into the pot. Stir in the peas and cook briefly.

  6. Step

    6

    Add the hot milk, two tablespoons of the butter and pepper, preferably white, beating with a wooden spoon.

  7. Step

    7

    Heat an eight-cup baking dish (a souffle dish works well) and spoon the piping-hot curried meat into it. Top with the hot mashed potatoes. Smooth over the top. Dot with the remaining tablespoon of butter.

  8. Step

    8

    Run the mixture under the broiler until the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Ratings

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2,270

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Kathy Walling

Instead of stirring peas into the mashed potatoes, I put them as a layer above the meat and then put the potatoes on top of them. Beautiful looking and delicious!

Neil

Very tasty once I doubled the amount of spices in the ground beef.

Janet

This was great. I used more curry, turmeric and cumin than suggested and added some grated sharp cheddar cheese to the top.

Luddite

I find myself beginning to resent recipes that call for "imported tomatoes". Aside from the fact that they don't specify a provenance (Timbuktu, anyone?) I can't imagine that in a recipe such as this (or any other, really) domestic tomatoes wouldn't serve as well.

Diana

I have made this cottage pie twice but it was better the second time with these modifications: a) used a mix of ground beef, ground veal, sage sausage, b) reduced and thickened meat sauce by simmering longer and adding 1 T tomato paste, c) adding whisked egg to potatoes, d) topped casserole with dabs of butter and 1-2 T grated parmesan, e) baked 25 mins at 375 until top lightly golden and casserole piping hot. Much more enthusiastic reception second time around.

Brian Hamman

I made this with Pierre Franey's Pureéd Cauliflower (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1445-pureed-cauliflower) in place of the mashed potatoes. It tasted comfortably olde timey. Great winter dish. I wimped out and used 1 tablespoon of curry but might up it to one and a half next time.

Cliff

Very nice flavor with the spices and tomatoes. However, next time I think I'll cook 3 T of flour in with the onions and garlic before I add the ground beef and broth for some thickening. And perhaps cook in an egg yolk with the potato topping. But we will make this again. In my supermarket 2 pounds of Russet potatoes was 3 potatoes. Go with the weight--the proportions between meat underneath and potatoes on top was just right.

Rebecca

Very tasty. The spices, in spite of the quantities, were not at all intrusive -- in fact I might add more hot curry. The peas in the mash were a great addition for color, taste and texture. Will do this with all future shepherd's and cottage pies. For two a half recipe made two pies -- one to eat with leftover lunch portion and one to freeze.

Tim

Double the spices regardless of your heat tolerance. It's far too bland when made with the posted amount. Turmeric makes a nice addition. A few pinches of paprika on top presents nicely.

david shepherd

Re the flour add; instead, try just letting the beef/tomato mixture simmer a while longer to reduce and thicken. This intensifies the flavor of the jus the preparation results in.

Diane

As written, everything is hot when you put it in the casserole so you just want a bit of color on the top. You can dot with butter, or brush with melted butter (my preference) and pop it in a very hot oven ~400 for 10 minutes or so until the top is to your liking. Hope this helps.

Rebecca

I made this with half the beef, a carrot, a celery stalk and garam masala in place of the spices. Used pureed rutabaga to top. It was delicious!

Martha

The original Shepherd's (leftover roast lamb) and Cottage (leftover roast beef) pie calls for the addition of HP or A1 sauce instead of the curry flavor. Taste it as you add until you have the flavor you like. Not like curry at all, so it should satisfy the curry hater in your house.

Torrey

This was so tasty! I did the meat in my cast iron skillet and once the potatoes were ready I simply added them atop the meat and into the oven it went, which saved a dish. Will definitely be making this again. I shared some with a neighbor and he said “holy traditional English dinner Batman”

SusanH

That would just be a regular Shepard's pie. Look up any recipe.

shambler

Like others said, double the spices. Personally I would also make more mashed potatoes next time but I love potatoes. Was very tasty and I made the leftovers into empanadas.

Erin

This was a really fantastic, cozy, cold-weather meal. You definitely have to double the spices though, do not be scared! I made them in individual crocks (like the ones for French Onion Soup) and it made for a lovely presentation. Will be adding this to the normal rotation, as it was easy, very tasty, and relatively healthy! (I used a half/half ratio of potato boiling water and oat milk instead of milk, cut down on the butter, and skipped the sugar)

Jan

I didn’t love this recipe although my family thought it was good. I put it in a 9x13 pan. I added an egg to potatoes which I would leave out if I make it again. I would double or triple the mashed potatoes as we like more than just a thin layer. I doubled the spices and also added about 1/4 teaspoons of tumeric It still could have had more flavor. I added a carrot and celery which was good. Also added a tablespoon of tomato paste and some flour to thicken.

Mitchell

Double the spices

yas

Doubled the spices and it still could have used more. 2 lb of mince can handle a lot of seasoning. Used a full can of crushed tomatoes, added some tomato paste per other suggestions. Needed a long simmer to reduce the liquid. Added a layer of carrots and peas under the mashed potato, should have added them to the beef as it finished cooking.

Rebecca

I always cook the recipe to the letter the first time, and this one was a big hit! My husband’s favorite dish is cottage pie, and he really loved this version! I think next time I may add a little more spice, but it does have a lovely flavor and I like the peas in the mash. He has requested that I add this dish to our frequent rotation.

bb

I'm sure this has been said below, but this recipe should actually be called cottage pie - Shepard's pie is traditionally made with lamb - looks delicious and will try the sliced version :)

Ben The Vet

Great recipe, but here in the UK _shepherds_ pie is made from lamb (shepherds keep sheep). The same but made with beef is inexplicably called 'cottage pie'.

additions

1 1/2 T garam masala2 tsp cumin and coriander

Rebecca

Overall really good, could be a little better. Perfect to use up leftover mashed potatoes, alternated blobs of potato with mashed butternut squash. I did increase the spices but still needed a little something. Next time I'll add a little tomato paste for depth of flavor and cook the meat mixture longer, it was a little watery.

TaiL

I really enjoyed this and think it's an excellent basic recipe. I also think there are a ton of edits that could be made to this. There was too much liquid, and I had to drain it a bit. The spices are too mild, even for the most delicate palate. This makes about 10 servings. Plan to do some garlic/tomato/onion sauce to top it with, so we'll see.

Rachel

Made this tonight. After reading all the notes, added some carrot and celery with the onion, doubled the spices, and added tomato paste with the beef. Also mixed the peas in with the meat because it sounded better. This was incredible! The entire family went for seconds including my 7 year old. And even with the seconds we have enough leftovers for another dinner Will be adding to our saved recipes for sure!

heather markey

Winner

Jackie

I used only one pound of beef, about double the amount of onion, and more spices. Delicious.

MM

I’ve made this recipe a few times and it’s always a huge hit! I do basically double the amount spices as some other commenters mentioned. Overall very delicious

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Curried Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

Can I substitute cornstarch for flour in shepherd's pie? ›

It's easy to substitute cornstarch for flour when your recipe calls for a thickener (as in gravy, sauce, or pie) or a coating for fried foods. Whether you don't have flour on hand or are looking for gluten-free alternatives, cornstarch has a similar effect in these cooking applications.

Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›

Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.

How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? ›

How do you keep shepherds pie from falling apart? The eggs in the mashed potatoes help keep the pie together. You should also make sure to spread the potatoes and press down a bit.

Why is my shepherd's pie so watery? ›

Why is my shepherd's pie runny? Generally, this is caused by using too much stock.

What is the best ingredient to use in thickening the filling of cream pies? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch is preferable for products that will be frozen because it will not break down when thawed. We like tapioca in blueberry, cherry or peach pies.

What is a natural thickening agent for pie filling? ›

Tapioca as Pie Filling Thickener

This old-school ingredient may be what your great grandmother used to thicken her pies, and it's still great for making a perfect fruit pie with a clear, stable filling. Tapioca is derived from cassava (also known as yuca or manioc), a starchy root native to South America.

How much cornstarch do I use to thicken a pie? ›

I used 1/4 cup corn starch when I made a fresh raspberry pie, 1 tablespoon when I made a peach pie and 2 tablespoons when I made pineapple custard. It really just depends on the type of fillings and thickness you are going for when using corn starch.

What can I use as a thickening agent besides cornstarch? ›

Here are five of the best cornstarch substitutes for all your thickening needs.
  • All-Purpose Flour. Yep, that's right — all-purpose flour is a very stable thickener. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder. ...
  • Potato Starch. ...
  • Rice Flour. ...
  • Tapioca Starch.
Jun 23, 2023

How to make shepherd's pie less soupy? ›

Why is my Shepherd's Pie soupy? If your casserole is too runny, chances are you either didn't add enough flour to thicken the gravy or you didn't simmer it long enough to reduce the liquid. Also, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly drained before making the mashed potatoes, so the topping is not too sloppy.

How to tell if shepherd's pie is cooked? ›

If you are cooking it from the fridge it will take 15-20 minutes longer to heat. To test if it is ready, put a fork in the middle of the pan and touch the fork after you pull it out to feel that the metal is hot (and therefore the meat is hot). I let the pie sit for 10-15 minutes before serving as it.

Why does my potato sink in shepherd's pie? ›

How do you keep potatoes from sinking in shepherd's pie? Let the beef layer cool before you top it with the mashed potatoes. This is the number one way to keep your potatoes from sinking. Another tip is to not make your potatoes too runny because firmer mashed potatoes stay more level while baking.

How to thicken up shepherd's pie? ›

How can I thicken my shepherd's pie? This shepherd's pie recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy but if you feel like the meat mixture is too watery, add in another tablespoon and stir to combine. You may also try simmering the mince mixture for longer so that the stock reduces down and thickens.

Can shepherds pie be reheated twice? ›

In fact, the Food Standards Agency recommends reheating your food just one time. Imagine reheating your leftover Shepherd's Pie to find out that it's got a massive chunk of frozen mince in the middle? Not only is it going to be disgusting but you're putting yourself at risk of food poisoning.

Is shepherd's pie Irish or English? ›

The dish originates from the British Isles, but some might argue that it is an Irish dish by origin. The name "Shepherd's Pie" was first recorded in an 1877 cookbook. In this same cookbook, it was noted that the dish was of Scottish origin. During the period between the 18th and 19th centuries, money was very tight.

What can I use as a pie thickener? ›

Types of Pie Thickeners
  • All-Purpose Flour. Flour is a popular thickener for sauces and soups, and it can be used to add body to your fruit filling. ...
  • Cornstarch. ...
  • Arrowroot. ...
  • Quick-Cooking Tapioca. ...
  • Instant ClearJel.
Oct 29, 2018

How can I make my meat pie filling thicker? ›

Thicken your pie filling (optional).
  1. Mix two tsp. of flour with 1/4 cup cold water or 1 tbsp. cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water before stirring it into your mixture.
  2. Thicken with flour. For each cup of filling, use about 2 tbsp. of flour. ...
  3. Thicken with cornstarch. For each cup of sauce, use 1 tbsp. of cornstarch.

How do you thicken runny pie filling? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

How do you thicken gravy for meat pie? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

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