Shepherd’s pie

🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting, hearty dish with savory ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes — a timeless British favorite.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef (traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb; beef is cottage pie)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, to thicken)

Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2–3 cups mashed potatoes (buttery and creamy)
• 1–2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

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🥣 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare Meat Filling

1. In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened (~3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle flour over meat and stir to thicken (optional).
5. Add broth and frozen vegetables; simmer 5–10 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.

2️⃣ Prepare Mashed Potato Topping

• Mix warm mashed potatoes with butter, milk/cream, and optional cheese.

3️⃣ Assemble the Pie

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread meat filling in a baking dish.
• Top evenly with mashed potatoes, using a fork to create ridges for browning.

4️⃣ Bake

• Bake 20–25 minutes until top is lightly golden and edges are bubbling.
• Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for extra browning.

5️⃣ Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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🔥 Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic to the filling.
• Cheesy Top: Sprinkle cheddar or Parmesan on the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for meat.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.

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If you want, I can also give you:

• Classic lamb shepherd’s pie
• Extra creamy mashed potato topping
• Individual mini shepherd’s pies
• Low-carb version using cauliflower mash

Do you want it traditional lamb shepherd’s pie or beef cottage pie style?