Here’s a classic, comforting Shepherd’s Pie recipe — savory meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. 🥧🥔
Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb. If using ground beef, it’s technically called Cottage Pie — but both are delicious!
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meat Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1 egg yolk (for richer, golden top)
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Optional: stir in cheese or egg yolk. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground lamb and onion until browned.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir.
- Add broth and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas and carrots. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly.
- Use a fork to create ridges (helps browning).
4. Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until heated through and top is lightly golden.
- For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
Tips
- Add a splash of red wine to the meat for deeper flavor.
- Mix in corn or mushrooms for variation.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
If you’d like, I can also give you a 30-minute weeknight version or a make-ahead freezer-friendly version.
