Here’s a classic and comforting Shepherd’s Pie recipe — savory ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
🥧 Shepherd’s Pie
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef (traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter, milk, salt)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened (5–7 minutes).
- Add ground meat, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas, then remove from heat.
2️⃣ Assemble the Pie
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, spreading evenly.
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Use a fork to create a pattern on the mashed potatoes (optional, for browning).
3️⃣ Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Optional: broil 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top.
4️⃣ Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve as a hearty main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Vegetable boost: Add corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Cheesy twist: Mix Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Prepare filling and topping separately; assemble and bake when ready.
- Ground beef version: While traditional uses lamb, beef is a great budget-friendly alternative.
- Creamier potatoes: Use cream or sour cream in mashed potatoes for richer texture.
If you like, I can provide a restaurant-style Shepherd’s Pie recipe with a rich, savory meat filling, tender vegetables, and a golden, cheesy mashed potato crust that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
