Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe—a comforting, hearty dish with a savory ground meat filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect one-dish dinner that’s easy to make and sure to please!

⭐ Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (traditional), or ground beef (if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for sautéing)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4–5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks (Yukon gold potatoes work great)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for mixing into the potatoes or topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
• Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
• Add butter, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy. (If you like, mix in cheddar cheese for extra flavor.)
• Set aside while you make the meat filling.

2. Make the Meat Filling:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and carrots and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until softened.
• Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
• Pour in the beef broth and add the peas. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the meat filling to a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similarly sized casserole dish).
• Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture. Use a spatula to smooth the potatoes out, covering the filling completely.
• Optional: If you like a crispy top, use a fork to make a pattern on the mashed potatoes, or sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

4. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges of the mashed potatoes are slightly crispy.
• If you like a more browned top, you can broil the shepherd’s pie for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

• Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat to make a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie.
• Rich Filling: You can add mushrooms to the filling for extra umami flavor.
• Freezing: Shepherd’s Pie freezes well! Assemble the pie, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, increasing the baking time to about 45 minutes.

This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that gets better the next day, too, so leftovers are always a treat! Let me know if you’d like any variations!