Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — a hearty, comforting dish of seasoned meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
🥔 Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meat Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare mashed potatoes
- Boil potatoes until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook meat filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth and simmer 5–10 minutes. Stir in peas or corn at the end.
3️⃣ Assemble pie
- Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly.
- Optional: sprinkle grated cheese on top.
4️⃣ Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
5️⃣ Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini to the filling.
- Make ahead: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
- Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie: Use lamb for Shepherd’s Pie, beef for Cottage Pie.
I can also give a slow-cooker Shepherd’s Pie version that’s super hands-off and just as tasty.
