𼧠Shepherdâs Pie
Shepherdâs Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with a savory ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Traditionally, itâs made with lamb (âshepherdâ), while beef versions are often called cottage pie, but both are deliciously hearty.
𼊠Ingredients (Serves 4â6)
Filling
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: Âź cup shredded cheddar for topping
đŠâđł Instructions
1ď¸âŁ Prepare mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender (15â20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2ď¸âŁ Cook filling:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- SautĂŠ onions, garlic, and carrots until softened (5â7 minutes).
- Add ground lamb, cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Simmer 5â10 minutes.
- Fold in peas at the end. Adjust seasoning.
3ď¸âŁ Assemble pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly. Optional: sprinkle cheddar or dot with extra butter.
4ď¸âŁ Bake:
- Bake 20â25 minutes, until topping is lightly golden.
- Optional: broil 2â3 minutes for a crispy top.
5ď¸âŁ Serve warm with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
đ Tips for the Best Shepherdâs Pie
- Lamb vs Beef: Lamb gives authentic âshepherdâ flavor; beef is milder.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake later.
- Creamy potatoes: Mash until smooth, add extra butter or cream for richness.
- Vegetables: Add corn, green beans, or mushrooms for variety.
If you want, I can also provide:
- Mini Shepherdâs Pie cups for appetizers
- Slow-cooker version
- Cheesy mashed potato topping variation
Do you want the mini version recipe?