Classic shepherd’s pie recipe

Here’s a comforting, traditional Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — a hearty dish of savory ground lamb (or beef) and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This is the real-deal shepherd’s pie, made with lamb (if you use ground beef, it’s technically a cottage pie — but still delicious).

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🥘 Classic Shepherd’s Pie

🐑 Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or ground beef for cottage pie)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1/2 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 or chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for richness)

• 4 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

• Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).

• Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper.

• Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add onion and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.

• Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

• Add ground lamb; cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

• Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and flour (if using).

• Pour in broth and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.

• Stir in peas and adjust seasoning.

3. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish (8×8 or similar).

• Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispy top.

• Optional: Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

• Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra browning (watch closely).

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✅ Tips & Variations:

• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.

Would you like a one-pan skillet version, a sweet potato topping, or a low-carb cauliflower mash alternative?