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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

A freshly baked Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with a scoop taken out, revealing the meat filling and mashed potato topping.

A classic comfort food featuring a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. While the meat mixture simmers, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
  7. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. If using cheese, stir it into the mashed potatoes.
  9. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. You can create decorative peaks with a fork if desired.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  11. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
  • If you don’t have ground lamb, you can substitute ground beef for a cottage pie.
  • A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top before serving adds a nice touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, lamb pie, mashed potato topping, comfort food, traditional recipe, british cuisine