Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
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1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (traditional) or beef (use beef if it’s technically “cottage pie”)
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables if you prefer)
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1 cup beef or chicken broth
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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4–5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold are great for mashed)
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1/4 cup milk or cream
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for mixing into mashed potatoes)
Instructions:
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
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Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
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Boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
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Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheddar cheese while mashing. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
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Add ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
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Stir in diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
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Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
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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.
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Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of a baking dish (9×9-inch or similar size).
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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.
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Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes for a cheesy, golden finish.
4. Bake:
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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.
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For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
5. Serve:
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Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:
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If you want a smoother filling, you can add a bit of flour to the meat mixture to make a thick gravy-like sauce.
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For extra flavor depth, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture before adding the broth.
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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!
