Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting – A warm and filling dish, perfect for chilly nights.
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup easy.
- Traditional and Flavorful – A taste of classic Irish and British cuisine.
- Customizable – Use different vegetables and proteins to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- Ground lamb (or beef for a Cottage Pie variation)
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Peas
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh thyme and rosemary (optional)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
- Cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
- Cook the Filling – In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Brown the Meat – Add the ground lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Flavorings – Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour in broth and let simmer until slightly thickened. Add peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes – Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie – Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface for a crispy texture.
- Bake – Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Cottage Pie – Use ground beef instead of lamb.
- Vegetarian Version – Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms.
- Sweet Potato Topping – Use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Cheesy Crust – Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Shepherd’s Pie freezes well! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
What is the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef.
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I thicken the filling?
Let it simmer until some of the liquid evaporates, or stir in a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.
What are the best potatoes for the topping?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a creamy, fluffy mash.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Mixing in shredded cheddar or parmesan adds extra flavor.
Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your broth and Worcestershire sauce for hidden gluten.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but homemade mashed potatoes will give the best texture and flavor.
What vegetables can I add to the filling?
Besides carrots and peas, you can add corn, green beans, or mushrooms.
How do I get a crispy top?
Use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes, and broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Can I make mini Shepherd’s Pies?
Yes! Use ramekins or muffin tins to make individual portions.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you stick to tradition with lamb or try a variation, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Serve it fresh from the oven for the ultimate cozy dinner experience!
PrintShepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish made with a savory ground lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked to golden perfection. A traditional Irish and British favorite, this one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner and makes great leftovers!
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 50min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish, British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Filling – In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Brown the Meat – Add the ground lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Flavorings – Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour in broth and let simmer until slightly thickened. Add peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes – Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Mix in cheese if using.
- Assemble the Pie – Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispy texture.
- Bake – Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
