Here’s a classic, hearty Shepherd’s Pie recipe with a savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping:
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk (more if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Make the mashed potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the meat filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas and corn, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the shepherd’s pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
4. Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Perfect with green beans or a simple salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the carrots and onions with a splash of red wine before adding the meat.
- Use a fork to rough up the mashed potato topping for a crispier texture.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
I can also give you a slow cooker version of Shepherd’s Pie where the filling cooks in one pot and you just add mashed potatoes on top before finishing. It’s hands-off and easy. Do you want that version?
