Shepherd’s pie

🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally, it uses lamb, but you can also make it with beef (then it’s technically a cottage pie).

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🛒 Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: grated cheddar cheese for topping

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes).
2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and carrots until softened (5–7 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add ground lamb and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in broth and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Add frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes.

3️⃣ Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the meat and vegetable filling in a baking dish.
3. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
4. Optional: sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potatoes.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

5️⃣ Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the filling.
• Use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes — they brown nicely in the oven.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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This classic shepherd’s pie is warm, filling, and perfect for cozy dinners.

If you want, I can also give a quick 30-minute version that’s even easier to make on busy nights.