Shepherd’s Pie is one of the most beloved comfort food dishes around the world. Originating from the UK and Ireland, this hearty casserole traditionally features minced lamb cooked with vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown. It’s warm, filling, and the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or cold nights.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese if using. Set aside.
- Prepare Filling: Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft. Add ground lamb, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
- Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef stock and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface. Use a fork to create ridges for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a traditional version, always use lamb. Ground beef makes it “Cottage Pie.”
- Add a splash of red wine to the filling for richer flavor.
- For a lighter topping, use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for easy weeknight meals.
