Here’s a classic and comforting Shepherd’s Pie recipe—the kind with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. Traditionally, it’s made with lamb, but beef can be used for a “cottage pie” variation.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ cup beef or lamb stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and stock. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Fold in frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish (about 9×9-inch or similar).
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the meat and smooth the top. Optional: sprinkle cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Use a fork to create small ridges on the mashed potato surface—this helps it brown nicely.
4. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while simmering.
- Sweet potato mash is a great alternative topping for a slightly sweeter, healthier version.
- Leftovers taste amazing the next day—shepherd’s pie reheats beautifully.
If you want, I can also give you a mini shepherd’s pie version made in individual ramekins—it looks fancy but is just as cozy and comforting.
Do you want that version too?
