Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, savory flavors with a creamy mashed potato topping. Traditionally made with lamb (hence the “shepherd” reference), this hearty dish is a great way to use up leftover meat, or you can make it from scratch for a satisfying family dinner. The tender filling, made of meat, vegetables, and a savory gravy, is topped with a fluffy, buttery mashed potato crust that gets golden and crispy in the oven. It’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or ground beef if preferred)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth (or stock)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if you have it)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:
     • Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
     • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Cook the filling:
     • In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb (or beef) over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
     • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
     • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
     • Pour in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, letting it cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. If you want a thicker filling, sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.
     • Add peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble the pie:
     • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
     • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a baking dish.
     • Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top.
  4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
     • Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
     • If you want an extra golden finish, broil the pie for 2-3 minutes at the end (keep an eye on it to avoid burning).
  5. Serve and enjoy:
     • Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it with a side of greens or a simple salad.
     • This Shepherd’s Pie is not only delicious but incredibly customizable. You can use ground beef for a “Cottage Pie” version or add any vegetables you like! It’s a crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers are even better the next day.