Shepherd’s Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate cozy dinner that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The combination of savory meat, tender vegetables, and buttery mashed potatoes makes each bite rich and flavorful. It’s perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even a special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground lamb or beef
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Frozen peas
• Fresh thyme (or dried)
• Salt and pepper
• Potatoes
• Butter
• Milk or cream
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter and milk. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in ground lamb or beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until fully browned.
6. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in peas.
8. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spoon.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add corn or green beans along with peas for more veggie content.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with lentils or mushrooms.
• Use a mix of cheeses in the mashed potatoes for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
Shepherd’s Pie also freezes well. Freeze in a covered baking dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef.

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Absolutely. It freezes well either before or after baking. Just be sure to cool it completely first.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?

Let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes on top to keep layers separate.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience, though fresh gives better texture and flavor.

What vegetables can I add to the filling?

Popular additions include peas, corn, green beans, or even mushrooms for extra umami.

Is there a dairy-free version of Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for the mashed potatoes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure your broth is gluten-free. Also, skip any flour-based thickeners.

What’s the best potato variety for the topping?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best due to their creamy texture when mashed.

Why is my filling watery?

The filling may be watery if it hasn’t been reduced enough. Let it simmer longer to thicken before topping with potatoes.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its blend of savory meat, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect meal to feed a hungry family or enjoy as leftovers throughout the week. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the many variations, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite.

Shepherd’s Pie

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A classic comfort dish, Shepherd’s Pie features savory ground meat and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, wholesome, and ideal for family meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
6. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce slightly for 5–10 minutes.
8. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
9. Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
11. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Let the meat filling cool slightly before topping with mashed potatoes to prevent sinking.
• Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Add corn or green beans for extra vegetables.
• This dish freezes well—make double and save one for later.
• Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes provide the best mash texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg