How to Make the Perfect Shepherd's Pie with Leftovers

ground lamb

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground beef is often more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, and margarine can be a cheaper alternative.

Peel 2 pounds of potatoes and cut them into thick slices.

Cook the potatoes in salted water until tender but not mushy, adding a sprig of thyme for flavor.

While the potatoes are cooking, dice the leftover duck finely.

Prepare vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery, and fennel, ensuring they are all about the same size for even cooking.

In a little duck fat, butter, or olive oil, sauté the diced vegetables with a pinch of sea salt and herbs de Provence for about 5 minutes until soft.

Add the diced duck or any leftover meat to the sautéed vegetables and cook through.

If using raw meat, add it now and cook until fully cooked.

Add a little bit of orange sauce, stock, or wine to the mixture and let it simmer until everything is tender.

Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them using a food mill, ricer, or preferred method until smooth.

Mix in some butter, 2 egg yolks, 2 whole eggs, salt, black pepper, and a little nutmeg into the mashed potatoes until fully combined and smooth.

Choose an oven-proof dish and brush the inside with duck fat or oil.

Layer the duck meat mixture into the dish.

Pipe the duchess potato mixture over the duck filling using a pastry bag with a star tip for a decorative finish, or spread it over the top.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drizzle duck fat or butter over the top if desired, and optionally sprinkle with cheese.

Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens