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Shepherd’s Pie in the KitchenAid Convection Oven: A Winter Comfort Classic

by Specialty Appliance
Stainless steel KitchenAid wall oven in a kitchen

As the Colorado air turns crisp and the snow blankets our mountain towns, there's nothing quite like the smell of something warm and hearty baking in the oven.

Whether you're nestled in Aspen after a ski day or winding down in Boulder after work, Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate winter comfort food—and it's even better when made in the KitchenAid KOSE900HSS convection oven.

This isn't your average oven—and this isn't your average casserole. We're talking golden peaks of buttery mashed potatoes, a savory, herb-infused meat and veggie filling, and an evenly baked, bubbling finish thanks to KitchenAid's powerful convection technology.

Why Use the KitchenAid KOSE900HSS?

The KOSE900HSS is more than a built-in oven—it's a smart culinary assistant built for modern home chefs. Its True Convection system uses a rear fan and a third heating element to circulate hot air evenly, which means your Shepherd's Pie comes out perfectly browned on top and thoroughly cooked below—every time.

Key Features:

  • Even, efficient cooking with no need to rotate dishes
  • Smart compatibility lets you monitor cooking from your phone
  • Sleek built-in design that complements any luxury kitchen
  • 30" stainless steel finish for a clean, modern look

If you're preparing meals for guests in Denver or weeknight dinners in Fort Collins, this oven delivers precision, beauty, and power in one.

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

A cozy classic made simple, this version uses ground beef or lamb, but you can lighten it up with turkey or chicken. Perfect for snowy nights or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup milk (or more for creaminess)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

    Boil peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water for about 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and mash with 3 tbsp butter and ¼ cup milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Cook the Filling
    • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat
    • Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened
    • Add ground meat, cook until browned
    • Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and thyme. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper
  3. Assemble the Pie
    • Preheat the KitchenAid convection oven to 400°F
    • Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish
    • Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Use a fork to create textured ridges (these will crisp beautifully thanks to convection baking)
  4. Bake & Broil
    • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling
    • Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—convection makes that broil even more effective and controlled
  5. Serve & Savor

    Let cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the rich, savory warmth of this classic comfort dish.

Chef's Tips & Twists

Take your Shepherd's Pie to the next level with these professional chef recommendations that work perfectly with convection cooking.

Perfect for:

  • Add cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar on top before baking for a melty, golden crust
  • Go vegetarian: Swap meat for lentils or chopped mushrooms
  • Make it ahead: Assemble in the morning, then bake in the evening—KitchenAid's smart features even let you preheat remotely
  • High-altitude cooking: Perfect for Colorado's elevation with consistent convection results

From the high country of Vail to the city streets of Denver, having a convection oven like the KitchenAid KOSE900HSS changes the way you cook.

Learn more: Explore our complete selection of built-in ovens

Visit Specialty Appliance

Whether you're hosting a dinner party in Louisville or prepping Sunday meals in Basalt, this appliance helps you achieve professional-level results with ease.

Visit your nearest Specialty Appliance showroom to experience the KOSE900HSS and other high-performance appliances firsthand.

Specialty Appliance – Where Colorado Cooks Begin.

Looking to upgrade your kitchen for more memorable meals? Stop by Specialty Appliance today and bring professional results to your home kitchen.