Here’s a classic, cozy, and satisfying recipe for Shepherd’s Pie — a hearty dish made with savory ground meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly.
🥔🥩 Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)
🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 6
🧾 Ingredients:
For the filling:
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1 lb ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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1 cup frozen peas (or mixed veggies)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
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½ cup beef broth (plus more if needed)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping:
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2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets), peeled and chopped
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4 tbsp butter
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¼ cup milk or cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make mashed potatoes:
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Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (12–15 minutes).
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Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the filling:
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onion and carrot until softened (about 5–6 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
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Stir in peas and cook 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Assemble:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly in a baking dish (8×8 or similar).
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Top with mashed potatoes. Spread evenly and fluff with a fork for texture.
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Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch closely!).
5. Cool slightly & serve:
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips:
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Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freeze it: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Add depth: A splash of red wine or a dash of balsamic adds complexity to the filling.
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Vegetarian version? Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.