Shepherd’s pie – COOKING POINT

🥧 Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with a savory ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Traditionally, lamb is used (hence “shepherd”), but beef can be used for a “cottage pie.” It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner.

🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

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: ¼ cup shredded cheddar for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook filling:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened (5–7 minutes).
Add ground lamb; cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and thyme. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Fold in peas and adjust seasoning.

3️⃣ 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 on top.

4️⃣ Bake:

Bake 20–25 minutes until topping is lightly golden.
Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for a crispy top.

5️⃣ Serve: Warm with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie

Lamb vs Beef: Lamb gives authentic flavor; beef is milder and more common in the U.S.
Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake later.
Creamy potatoes: Mash until smooth and add extra butter or cream for richness.
Vegetables: You can add corn, green beans, or mushrooms for extra texture.

I can also provide a mini Shepherd’s Pie cup version, perfect for appetizers or portion control. Do you want that recipe?