Here’s a comforting, classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe—rich, savory, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes:
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef if you prefer cottage pie)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the topping:
- 3–4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for a golden top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened (5–7 minutes).
- Add ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth and peas, simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- Mix butter, milk, salt, and pepper into mashed potatoes until creamy.
- Optional: stir in a handful of cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a spatula.
- Optional: sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Great on its own or with a simple green salad.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in butter before adding meat.
- You can make it ahead: assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Sweet potato mash makes a delicious twist on the classic topping.
If you want, I can also give a Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie version where the meat and vegetables cook together slowly, and you just top with mashed potatoes at the end—super easy for busy days. Do you want me to do that?
