Shepherd’s pie

Here’s a classic, comforting Shepherd’s Pie—simple and hearty 🥧

Shepherd’s Pie (Traditional Style)

Shepherd’s pie uses lamb. If you use beef, it’s technically called Cottage Pie—but both are delicious.

Ingredients

Meat filling

• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas & carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Mashed potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled & chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 min). Drain, mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook filling:
   Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
   Add meat, cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt & pepper.
4. Pour in broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in peas & carrots.
6. Assemble:
   Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes (rough up the top with a fork).
7. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden.
8. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.

Tips & Variations

• 🧀 Add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes
• 🍄 Add mushrooms for extra richness
• 🥔 Use sweet potatoes for a twist
• 🌿 Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving

Want a quick weeknight version, vegetarian, or one-pan skillet shepherd’s pie?