Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — comforting, savory, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally made with lamb, but beef works too (technically a “cottage pie” if beef).
🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
For the mashed potato topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼–½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened.
- Add ground lamb, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in peas and cook 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
- Optional: sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
4. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and edges are bubbly.
5. Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes, then serve warm.
✅ Tips
- Cheese topping: Adds a golden, flavorful crust.
- Vegetables: You can add celery, corn, or mushrooms.
- Make ahead: Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- For extra flavor: Mix 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into the mashed potatoes before topping.
If you want, I can also give a Keto Shepherd’s Pie version with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, which is low-carb but just as creamy and comforting.
Do you want me to share that keto version?
