Shepherd's Pie Pan Size Guide

Shepherd's pie is a comfort food that traditionally comes from England and is made with lamb or mutton. In the US, it is more common to use ground beef. The dish is a type of casserole, with a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven.

To make shepherd's pie, you will need a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish. The Suzy Homemaker in you might want to make your own mashed potatoes, but honestly, store-bought will do just fine.

What type of pan is best for shepherd's pie?

When it comes to choosing the best pan for shepherd's pie, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some options and tips to help you decide:

Pan Material

You'll want to choose a pan that is oven-safe and distributes heat evenly. Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for shepherd's pie as they can go directly from stovetop to oven, and their heat retention properties ensure even cooking. Enameled cast iron is a great option, providing the benefits of cast iron with a durable, smooth finish. If you're using a cast-iron pan, make sure it's well-seasoned to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a stainless-steel skillet or a ceramic or metal casserole dish.

Pan Size

Shepherd's pie is typically baked in a 9x9 or 10-inch pan. A larger pan, such as a 12-inch skillet, can also be used, but be sure to place it on a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to catch any spillovers. If you're making a larger portion, you may need a bigger pan, such as a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Pan Depth

It's important to choose a pan with enough depth to accommodate the layers of meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. A deeper pan will allow for a thicker layer of mashed potatoes, which can be rustic or piped on for a more refined look. A 2-quart casserole or a pan with similar depth should be sufficient.

Stovetop vs. Oven Use

If you plan to make the entire shepherd's pie in one pan, both on the stovetop and in the oven, ensure that your chosen pan is safe for both. Some recipes require browning the meat and cooking the vegetables on the stovetop before transferring the mixture to a separate baking dish and topping it with mashed potatoes. In this case, you can use a regular skillet or sauté pan for the stovetop steps and a standard baking dish for the oven.

Cleanup and Convenience

One of the benefits of using a skillet for shepherd's pie is the convenience of having fewer dishes to clean. If you value convenience and ease of cleanup, look for a recipe that uses minimal dishes and choose a pan that is large enough to accommodate the entire recipe.

In summary, the best pan for shepherd's pie will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for their heat retention and versatility, but stainless steel, ceramic, and metal casserole dishes are also great options. Choose a pan with the right size, depth, and oven safety for your shepherd's pie recipe, and don't forget to consider your desired level of cleanup convenience!

What size pan is best for shepherd's pie?

The size of the pan you should use for a shepherd's pie depends on the number of servings you want to make. For example, if you're making a shepherd's pie for two people, a smaller skillet or casserole dish will do, whereas if you're feeding a larger group, you'll need a bigger dish. Typically, a 9x9 or 7x11-inch baking dish or a 10+ inch skillet should be enough for a standard family meal.

It's important to choose an oven-safe skillet or baking dish that can go directly from the stovetop to the oven, as many shepherd's pie recipes involve browning the meat and vegetables on the stovetop before transferring the dish to the oven to bake. Using a single skillet or dish saves time on cleanup and makes the cooking process more convenient.

Additionally, it's a good idea to place the skillet or baking dish on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven, as this will catch any spillovers and prevent messes.

When assembling your shepherd's pie, be sure to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture, and don't be afraid to get creative with the design. You can use a fork to rough up the surface of the potatoes to create a rustic look and add some texture that will brown nicely in the oven.

Can I use a skillet to make shepherd's pie?

Yes, you can use a skillet to make shepherd's pie. In fact, many recipes specifically instruct you to make shepherd's pie in a skillet. Using a skillet can save time and effort, as you can cook the filling and mashed potatoes on the stovetop and then transfer the skillet directly to the oven to bake. This method also means less cleanup, as you don't need to dirty multiple pots and pans.

To make shepherd's pie in a skillet, start by browning the ground beef or lamb in the skillet. Then, add your vegetables, seasonings, and broth to create a gravy. Separately, boil potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and cheese. Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of the skillet and top it with the mashed potatoes. Use a fork to rough up the top of the potatoes to create a browned, crispy texture. Finally, bake the shepherd's pie in the oven until it's golden brown.

Skillets are a great option for shepherd's pie because they are oven-safe and provide a large, flat surface area for the pie to bake evenly. You can also use a skillet to serve the shepherd's pie, making it a convenient one-dish meal.

When choosing a skillet for shepherd's pie, select one that is large enough to accommodate the amount of food you are making. A 12-inch skillet is typically a good size. Additionally, look for a skillet with a lid, as you will need to cover the dish while it bakes.

Can I make shepherd's pie in a baking dish?

Yes, you can make shepherd's pie in a baking dish. In fact, it is a great make-ahead dish, as you can assemble the whole recipe and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking.

Shepherd's pie is a traditional casserole from Britain and Ireland, and it is typically made with ground lamb, although in the US, it is more common to use ground beef. The dish is composed of a layer of cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until the potatoes are browned.

To make shepherd's pie in a baking dish, first make the meat filling by sautéing chopped onions in olive oil, then adding your choice of ground beef or lamb, along with seasonings. Next, add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, followed by flour and tomato paste. Finally, add the broth, frozen vegetables, and corn, and simmer until the meat gravy thickens.

For the mashed potato topping, boil peeled and chopped potatoes until soft, then drain and return to the pot. Add butter, half-and-half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth. You can also add parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Now, simply assemble the casserole by pouring the meat mixture into a baking dish, topping it with the mashed potatoes, and baking until the meat is bubbling and the potatoes are golden.

This classic comfort food is a complete meal in one dish, and it can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

What are the best potatoes for shepherd's pie?

When it comes to making a shepherd's pie, the type of potatoes you choose matters. The best potatoes for a shepherd's pie will be fluffy and creamy when mashed, and will blend well with the meat and vegetables commonly found in these recipes.

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for shepherd's pie. They are starchy potatoes with a light and fluffy texture, and their skin becomes chewy when cooked. Their flavour blends well with the meat and vegetables, and their floury nature makes them easy to mash by hand.

Another option is Yukon Gold potatoes, which are all-purpose potatoes that are great for roasting or pan-frying, as well as in soups and stews. They are waxy potatoes with a buttery flavour and a very subtle sweetness. They tend to stay chunkier but hold moisture better, so they can be a good choice if you prefer your shepherd's pie potatoes to be a little less fluffy.

Some recipes also call for adding ingredients like butter, milk, cream, or cheese to your mashed potatoes. This can enhance the flavour and creaminess of the potatoes, and you can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions