Shepherd’s pie – COOKING POINT

Shepherd’s pie—such a classic, comforting dish! It’s the perfect combination of hearty meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes, all baked together in a golden, satisfying casserole. Here’s a traditional recipe, but you can always customize it with extra veggies, spices, or a cheesy topping if you want.

Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (traditional) or beef (use beef if it’s technically “cottage pie”)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables if you prefer)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4–5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold are great for mashed)
1/4 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for mixing into mashed potatoes)

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
Boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheddar cheese while mashing. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Add ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
Stir in diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the broth and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of a baking dish (9×9-inch or similar size).
Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them evenly with a spatula or spoon to cover the entire surface. If you want a decorative look, use the back of a fork to create ridges on top of the mashed potatoes.
Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes for a cheesy, golden finish.

4. Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crispy.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:

If you want a smoother filling, you can add a bit of flour to the meat mixture to make a thick gravy-like sauce.
For extra flavor depth, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture before adding the broth.
If you like a bit of texture contrast, consider adding some crispy onions or grated cheese on top for a crunchy finish.

Is there anything specific you want to add to the pie, like mushrooms, parsnips, or something else? Or maybe a veggie variation? I’m all for mixing things up if you want to get creative with it!