Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe, a hearty and comforting dish made with ground meat (traditionally lamb, but beef is commonly used), vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef for a Cottage Pie)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk (or heavy cream), mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat Filling:

• In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
• Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish (8×8-inch or similar).
• Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula. You can use the back of a spoon to create a decorative pattern on top.
• Optionally, sprinkle some grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan) on top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
• If you like, you can broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden-brown color.

5. Serve:

• Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve as a hearty main dish with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious Shepherd’s Pie!