Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food originating from the UK, made with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Traditionally, it uses lamb (hence “shepherd”), but beef is common in many variations.
🥩 Key Features
- Protein: Ground lamb (traditional) or beef (often called Cottage Pie).
- Vegetables: Onion, carrots, peas, corn, sometimes celery.
- Topping: Mashed potatoes, often with butter and cream for richness.
- Cooking method: Meat and vegetable filling is simmered, layered in a dish, topped with potatoes, and baked until the top is slightly golden.
🥄 Basic Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2–3 tbsp tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the filling: Sauté onions and carrots, then add ground lamb or beef. Cook until browned.
- Season and thicken: Add tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce, season with herbs, and let simmer. Optionally, thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
- Assemble: Spread meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish, then top evenly with mashed potatoes.
- Bake: At 190°C (375°F) for 20–30 minutes until the potato topping is golden and edges are bubbling.
- Serve: Let rest a few minutes before serving.
🍴 Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling in advance; assemble and bake later.
- Potato topping: For extra flavor, mix in shredded cheese or a touch of garlic.
- Vegetable variety: Add corn, green beans, or mushrooms for more texture.
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