Shepherd’s pie

Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — a hearty, comforting dish of seasoned meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes. 🥔🍖

🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the mashed potato topping:

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: grated cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare mashed potatoes:
   • Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 min).
   • Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (5–7 min).
   • Add ground lamb, cooking until browned.
   • Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, peas, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Assemble the pie:
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Spread meat filling in a baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inch).
   • Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
   • Optional: sprinkle grated cheese on top.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
   • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

🍽 Tips & Variations

• Vegetable variations: Add corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the filling.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or parsley adds extra flavor.
• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.

If you want, I can also give a cottage pie version using ground beef and cheddar mashed potatoes, which is very popular and cheesy on top.