Here’s a classic, hearty Shepherd’s Pie recipe — rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb. If using beef, it’s technically called cottage pie — but both are delicious.
🥧 Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or ground beef)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½–¾ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar for topping
Instructions
1️⃣ 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. Set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and carrots in olive oil until softened (5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas.
3️⃣ Assemble
- Spread meat mixture evenly into a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- Use a fork to create ridges (helps browning).
- Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning if desired.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
- Add a splash of red wine when browning the meat for depth.
- For richer potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Make ahead and refrigerate — flavors get even better.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
If you’d like, I can give you:
- 🐑 A traditional Irish-style version
- 🥘 A slow cooker version
- 🧀 A creamy cheesy comfort-food version
- 🥦 Or a lighter healthy version
Just tell me which one you’d like!
