Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe!

by

🥘 Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

🧑‍🍳 Serves: 4–6
⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: ~50 minutes

✅ Ingredients

🥩 For the Meat Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

  • 1 cup beef or lamb broth (or stock)

  • ½ cup frozen peas

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🥔 For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet are best)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer version)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: ½ cup grated cheddar cheese for topping

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Put peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water.

  2. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

  4. Add butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

  1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add diced onion and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

  4. Add the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  6. Pour in the broth, stir, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.

  7. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Spread the meat filling evenly into the bottom of a baking dish (about 9×9″ or similar).

  3. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create little ridges (helps crisp it up).

  4. Optional: Sprinkle cheese over the top for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

  2. For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on it!

🥄 Serving Tips

  • Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — it’ll set up better and be easier to slice.

  • Serve with a side of green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, or a simple salad.

Want to try a twist on it next time? Think sweet potato mash, red wine in the filling, or even a veggie version. Let me know if you want one of those recipes too!

Leave a Comment