Here’s a detailed look at Shepherd’s Pie:
What It Is
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with minced lamb (if beef is used, it’s technically called Cottage Pie) cooked in a savory gravy with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The mashed potato topping is baked until slightly golden, creating a hearty, warming dish.
Common Ingredients
- Meat: Ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- Vegetables: Onion, carrots, peas, sometimes corn
- Flavorings: Garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery, sometimes with cheese on top
- Stock or broth: To create a rich gravy
Basic Method
- Cook the meat with onions, garlic, and vegetables until browned.
- Add stock, tomato paste, and seasonings, and simmer until thickened.
- Spread the filling in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- Optional: Sprinkle cheese over the potatoes.
- Bake until the potato topping is golden and slightly crisp.
✅ Tip: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy topping, and don’t overmix the filling—you want it hearty, not mushy.
I can also give you a quick, foolproof recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and takes about 45 minutes.
Do you want me to provide that recipe?
