Here’s a classic, comforting Shepherd’s Pie recipe—hearty, cheesy, and perfect for dinner. 🥩🥔
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 min).
- Drain, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: Stir in cheese for a richer topping. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (5–7 min).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground lamb, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and simmer until thickened (~5–7 min).
- Stir in peas, remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- Optional: Use a fork to create ridges for a golden crust.
4. Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
- For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Pairs beautifully with green beans or a side salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat filling while simmering.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pie and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
If you want, I can also give a low-carb Shepherd’s Pie version using cauliflower mash instead of potatoes—just as creamy and comforting.
