Shepherd’s Pie

Great choice! Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — hearty, comforting, and made the traditional way with ground lamb (if your version used beef, that’s technically “Cottage Pie,” but both are delicious).

Let me know if your grandmother made a unique twist (cheese topping, corn in the filling, etc.), and I’ll adjust it for you.

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Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1 stalk celery, diced (optional)

• 1 ½ lbs ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup beef broth (or red wine)

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ cup frozen peas

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ⅓ cup milk (more as needed)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 egg yolk (optional, for richness and color)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.

2. Add ground lamb, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked and no longer pink.

3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Add beef broth or wine. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Stir in frozen peas. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Add egg yolk if using, for a golden, richer top.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread meat filling in a baking dish (8×8 or 9×9).

3. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create ridges (they’ll brown nicely).

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving. Pairs beautifully with green salad or buttered peas.

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Optional Add-ins:

• Corn or green beans in the filling

• A layer of grated cheddar under or over the potatoes

• A dash of paprika or parmesan on top for extra flavor

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Would you like the version your grandmother made?
Just tell me:

• Lamb or beef?

• Any cheese?

• Herbs or spices she used?

• Did she use creamier potatoes or rustic mash?

I can recreate her version step-by-step.