Flavorful Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British comfort food that’s hearty, filling, and ideal for chilly days. Made with a savory layer of seasoned ground meat, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown, it’s no wonder this dish has become a winter favorite across the world!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Layer

• 1 lb ground lamb (or substitute with ground beef for a cottage pie variation)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (optional, adds extra flavor)

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ¼ cup milk (more if needed for creaminess)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg yolk (optional, for a golden crust)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes, adding butter and milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pro Tip: For a golden crust, add an egg yolk to the mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables soften.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.
5. Pour in the beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. The filling should thicken slightly.
6. Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, let the mixture simmer longer, reducing the broth slowly to intensify the savory taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them with a spoon. You can use a fork to create a decorative texture that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
3. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

Serving and Storing Shepherd’s Pie

• Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
• Storing leftovers: Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.
• Pro Tip: To keep the mashed potatoes from drying out when reheating, cover with foil in the oven or sprinkle with a little milk before microwaving.

Enjoying the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a simple, comforting dish that warms the heart and the home. It’s delicious as a main dish and pairs perfectly with a crisp, green salad or steamed vegetables.

Indulge in the cozy, rustic flavors of this British classic, and enjoy the rich flavors that make Shepherd’s Pie a family favorite around the world!