🥧 Shepherd’s Pie (Classic British Recipe)
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional comfort dish from the United Kingdom made with seasoned ground lamb and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden.
📝 Note: If made with beef instead of lamb, it’s technically called Cottage Pie.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the mashed potato topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
👩‍🍳 Instructions
- Boil the potatoes
Place potatoes in salted water. Boil 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain. - Make the mash
Mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt. Set aside. - Cook the filling
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and carrots for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Add ground lamb; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and simmer 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in peas and cook 2 more minutes.
- Assemble
Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes. Rough the surface with a fork (helps browning). Sprinkle cheese on top if using. - Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. - Rest & Serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Tips for Extra Flavor
- Add a splash of red wine to the meat while simmering.
- Mix an egg yolk into the mashed potatoes for a richer top.
- Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
If you’d like, I can also give you a quick 30-minute version or a healthier/lightened-up option.
