Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe—hearty, savory, and perfect for a comforting meal:
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for a cottage pie)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the mashed potato topping:
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/4–1/2 cup milk
- 2–3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the mashed potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the filling:
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, peas, and corn.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat and vegetable filling in a baking dish (about 9×9-inch).
- Carefully spoon mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create peaks—they get nicely browned in the oven.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Perfect with a simple green salad on the side.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, stir a little shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading.
- You can make the filling ahead and refrigerate; add the mashed potato topping just before baking.
- Use a fork to make ridges on the potato top—they brown beautifully in the oven!
If you want, I can also give a quick one-pan Shepherd’s Pie version that’s faster for weeknight cooking.
Do you want me to do that?
