Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — a comforting, hearty dish with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners.
🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the mashed potato topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside.
2. Prepare the filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and carrots until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in frozen peas. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly.
- Optional: sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
4. Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and edges are bubbling.
5. Serve
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- For extra flavor, mash potatoes with roasted garlic or a touch of cream cheese.
- Use leftover roast lamb or beef for an easy shortcut.
- Press the top with a fork for a traditional ridged look that crisps in the oven.
I can also give you:
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie (lentils or mushrooms)
- Mini Shepherd’s Pie Cups for individual servings
- Cheesy mashed potato topping version
Do you want one of these variations?
