Ham Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish that mixes tender ham with veggies and creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
This dish is perfect for using leftover ham. I enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese on top, making it even more delicious. Who can say no to cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and milk for the best texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, mashed cauliflower can be a great substitute.
Cooked Ham: Leftover ham is perfect here! But if you don’t have ham, cooked turkey or even smoked sausage will work too.
Ground Beef: This ingredient is optional. If you want a lighter dish, skip it. Alternatively, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
Mixed Vegetables: Fresh or frozen mixed veggies are both fine. If you can’t find mixed veggies, just use whatever you have—like broccoli, green beans, or even diced bell peppers.
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor. If you have shallots on hand, they can make a nice substitute for onions.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Filling for Shepherd’s Pie?
Getting the filling right is key to a tasty shepherd’s pie. Start by cooking the onions and garlic in oil or butter until they’re soft. This builds a great flavor base.
- Brown the ground beef (if using) until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Add the ham, vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir.
- Pour in the broth to deglaze the pan. This helps lift all the tasty bits off the bottom.
- Simmer until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes—this will help keep the filling from being runny.
This method creates a rich, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes on top. Enjoy making this classic dish!
How to Make Ham Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup ground beef (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes to bake, so overall about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your shepherd’s pie bakes evenly and gets nice and golden brown on top.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring them until they become softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. If you are using ground beef, add it now and cook until it’s browned, making sure to drain any excess fat afterwards.
3. Mix in the Ham and Vegetables:
Next, stir in the diced ham, mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let this cook for 3-4 minutes to marry the flavors together. Then, pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens up a bit.
4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Pour the hearty meat and vegetable mixture into a deep baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. Now, take the creamy mashed potatoes and spoon them evenly over the filling. Use a fork to create little patterns on the surface of the potatoes; this helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake to Perfection:
If you like a cheesy topping, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes. Then, pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the shepherd’s pie out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a lovely touch. Enjoy your homemade ham shepherd’s pie!
Can I Use Leftover Ham for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham works perfectly for this dish and adds great flavor. Just make sure it’s diced into small pieces for even distribution in the filling.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Beef?
No worries! The ground beef is optional. If you prefer, you can simply increase the amount of diced ham or use diced turkey for extra protein without compromising the dish’s flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mash the potatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pie and pop it in the oven to heat through!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If using the oven, you can cover it with foil to keep the mashed potatoes from drying out.
