Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a flavorful ground meat filling topped with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally made with lamb, this dish is rich in taste, packed with vegetables, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. With a balance of protein, vegetables, and buttery mashed potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie remains a timeless favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 500g ground lamb (or ground beef for a cottage pie variation)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup corn (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• ½ teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in diced carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Pour in beef broth, letting it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Mix in peas and corn, cooking for another 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender (about 10–15 minutes).
2. Drain and mash the potatoes using a fork or potato masher.
3. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, mixing until creamy.
4. Stir in shredded cheese for extra richness, if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish.
3. Gently layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface (this helps with browning).
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
3. Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips for a Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:

• Use lamb for traditional flavor or substitute beef for a cottage pie version.
• For a thicker filling, add 1 tablespoon of flour before pouring in the broth.
• Make it extra crispy by broiling the pie for 3 minutes at the end of baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This classic dish is rich, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors! Would you like variations, such as a healthier version or a different mash topping like sweet potatoes? Let’s make it even more exciting.