A comforting, hearty casserole made with savory minced meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Golden and crisp on top, rich and flavorful underneath. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or make-ahead meals.
Explanation
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British dish originally made with ground lamb (though beef is often used today). The meat is cooked with onions, carrots, peas, and herbs in a savory gravy, then topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. The contrast of creamy potatoes and rich filling makes it a timeless comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 6
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 1 cup peas
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt (to taste)
Products for Using in Recipe
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy mash.
- Fresh thyme adds authentic flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory taste.
- A cast-iron skillet or baking dish ensures even cooking.
Instructions
- Make mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain, mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.
- Cook filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened. Add peas last.
- Assemble: Spread meat filling in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.