🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total: 1 hr
Serves: 6
🍴 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
-
1½ lbs ground lamb (or beef if you prefer “Cottage Pie”)
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn) fresh or frozen
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
-
3 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and cubed
-
4 tbsp butter
-
½ cup milk or cream
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
-
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 min).
-
Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
-
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook onion and garlic until soft.
-
Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
-
Add broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
-
Stir in mixed veggies and cook a few minutes more. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pie:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly in a baking dish (9×13 inch works well).
-
Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, spreading to cover completely.
-
(Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
4. Bake:
-
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and filling bubbly.
-
For a crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!).
5. Serve:
-
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Enjoy with a side salad or steamed greens.
🔄 Variations:
-
Vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
-
Cheesy Topping: Mix Parmesan or mozzarella into mashed potatoes.
-
Herby: Add fresh parsley or thyme for more flavor.
Want a slow cooker Shepherd’s Pie version or a recipe with sweet potato topping?
