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Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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This classic Shepherd’s Pie features a rich, savory meat and vegetable filling topped with buttery mashed potatoes, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping ahead.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Mashed Potato Topping:
  • 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground lamb or beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and remove from heat.
  7. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
  8. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
  9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top if using.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
  11. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use lamb for authentic Shepherd’s Pie or beef for Cottage Pie.
  • Sweet potatoes make a great alternative topping.
  • Add corn to the meat mixture for texture and sweetness.
  • Enhance mashed potatoes with cheese or herbs.
  • Freeze assembled or leftover pie for convenient meals later.
  • Author: liinaa
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://cookedbylina.com/best-shepherds-pie-recipe/