Description
A classic British comfort dish, Shepherd’s Pie is a savory casserole featuring seasoned ground lamb (or beef), mixed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground lamb (or ground beef for cottage pie)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and carrots and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in peas and corn, then remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, sour cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the meat filling evenly in a 9×9 or similar baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and using a fork to create texture on the surface. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning, if desired. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, mix a beaten egg into the mashed potatoes before baking.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for a shortcut.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated—add 10 minutes to the baking time if cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
