Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting baked dish made with a savory meat filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally it uses lamb, while versions made with beef are often called cottage pie. 🥧
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Make the mashed potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat until browned.
- Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
- Add sauce ingredients
- Mix in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, peas, and carrots.
- Simmer 5–8 minutes until slightly thick.
- Assemble
- Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle cheese if using.
- Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
- Serve
- Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Extra flavor: Add mushrooms or corn to the filling.
- Crispy top: Broil for the last 3–5 minutes.
- Creamier potatoes: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream.
- Low-carb version: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Great with
- green salad
- roasted vegetables
- buttered bread
If you want, I can also show you the famous Gordon Ramsay–style shepherd’s pie, which has a few tricks that make it taste like restaurant quality.
