Shepherd’s pie

Here’s a classic, comforting Shepherd’s Pie—rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes 🥧

Note: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb. If you use beef, it’s technically Cottage Pie—but both are delicious.

Shepherd’s Pie (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients

Meat Filling

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

• 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Make Mashed Potatoes
   • Boil potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until tender.
   • Drain, mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and carrots; cook 5 minutes until soft.
   • Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
   • Add ground lamb, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
3. Build Flavor
   • Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in broth and simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
   • Stir in peas.
4. Assemble
   • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Spread meat mixture in a baking dish.
   • Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
   • Fork the top for crispy ridges.
5. Bake
   • Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
   • Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
6. Serve
   • Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• 🧀 Add grated cheddar to mashed potatoes for richness
• 🍄 Mix in mushrooms for deeper flavor
• 🌿 Fresh thyme or rosemary elevates it
• ❄️ Freezes well for make-ahead meals

If you’d like, I can share a quick skillet Shepherd’s Pie, a low-carb cauliflower topping version, or a vegetarian lentil Shepherd’s Pie.