Shepherd’s pie
Here’s a classic, hearty Shepherd’s Pie recipe—rich, savory, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes 🥧🍖
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (use beef for cottage pie)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ¼–½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 min).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Filling
- Heat oil/butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground lamb; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Optional: sprinkle cheddar on top or create patterns with a fork for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
- Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
- Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Meat options: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb; beef is called cottage pie.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the filling.
- Veggie boost: Mushrooms or corn can be added to the filling.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake 30 minutes extra if chilled.
If you want, I can give a luxury version with caramelized onions, garlic butter mashed potatoes, and a crispy cheese crust—restaurant-style comfort food.
Do you want me to do that?
