classic recipe for Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s a classic recipe for Shepherd’s Pie, a hearty and comforting dish made with savory ground lamb (or beef for a variation called Cottage Pie), vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or lamb broth if available)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

• Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk (or cream), and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

• While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
• Stir in the diced carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the carrots are tender. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly.
• Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top, which helps it brown nicely during baking.
• (Optional) Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor and a golden, cheesy crust.

4. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crisp. If you want a more golden top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve:

• Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Tips:

• Ground Meat: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, but you can use ground beef for a Cottage Pie. Some people even use a mixture of both!
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it a bit longer if cooking from cold.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, corn, or green beans to the filling for added flavor and texture.
• Topping Variations: For a unique twist, try adding grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends. Enjoy!