Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie / Cottage Pie recipe — hearty, comforting, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The difference: Shepherd’s pie uses lamb, while Cottage pie uses beef, but the method is essentially the same.

🥧 Shepherd’s Pie / Cottage Pie

Ingredients (4–6 servings)

Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk (or cream)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (shepherd’s pie) or ground beef (cottage pie)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (or corn/green beans)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or lamb broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Make the mashed potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in carrots and cook 5 minutes.
5. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and flour (if using).
6. Gradually add broth, simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer meat and vegetable filling to a baking dish.
3. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, using a fork to create texture (optional: helps crisp the top).

4. Bake

• Bake 20–25 minutes until the potato topping is lightly golden.
• Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.

✨ Tips & Variations

• Cheesy topping: mix ½ cup shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes.
• Vegetable boost: add diced celery, mushrooms, or parsnips to the filling.
• Make ahead: assemble the pie, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
• Single-serve version: use ramekins for individual portions.
• Gluten-free: skip flour or use a gluten-free flour for thickening.

I can also give a slow-cooker version or a 10-minute quick filling hack if you want.