Shepherd’s Pie

Classic Shepherd’s Pie 🥔🍖

(A comforting, hearty dish of savory minced meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes—baked until golden.)

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

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

• ½ cup (120ml) milk or cream, warmed

• ¼ cup (55g) butter

• ½ cup (50g) grated cheddar cheese (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef (traditionally lamb for shepherd’s pie, beef for “cottage pie”)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Prep Potatoes:

   • Boil potatoes until tender (~15 mins). Drain, mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook Meat Filling:

   • Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook onion and carrots until soft (~5 mins). Add garlic, cook 1 min.

   • Add ground meat, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

   • Stir in flour, cook 1 min. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 mins until thickened.

   • Stir in frozen peas. Adjust seasoning.

3. Assemble & Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Spread meat filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, spreading evenly. Fluff with a fork to create texture.

   • Sprinkle with cheddar cheese (if using).

   • Bake 20–25 mins until top is golden and filling is bubbly.

   • Broil 1–2 mins for extra browning (optional).

Pro Tips

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.

• Make ahead: Assemble, refrigerate up to 1 day, bake when ready.

• For a crispier top, brush potatoes with melted butter or egg wash before baking.

Variations

• Lamb vs. Beef: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb; cottage pie uses beef.

• Vegetarian: Swap meat for lentils or plant-based ground “meat.”

• Guinness Shepherd’s Pie: Replace ½ cup broth with Guinness beer for depth.

• Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.

“The ultimate cozy dinner—warm, savory, and satisfying!” 🍽️

(Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.)