Classic Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ingredients for a filling meal, featuring a savory lamb filling and creamy mashed potato topping.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
For the topping
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 0.25 cup butter
- 0.5 cup milk or heavy cream
- 0.5 cup shredded white cheddar (optional) Optional for extra creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground lamb in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and carrots and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas.
- Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in cheddar if using.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes and create ridges with a fork.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; they can really brighten the dish. Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a nice depth of flavor to the meat. If you want a creamier topping, add more butter or cream to the mashed potatoes. Make sure to allow the pie to rest before serving to let the flavors settle and make serving easier.