Description
Enjoy a classic Shepherd’s Pie with savory ground lamb, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. The perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then mash until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, if using, for an extra creamy texture.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and let simmer until thickened.
- Stir in the peas and corn, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Use a fork to create a textured pattern on top (this helps create crispy edges!).
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Meat Filling: Simmer just until thickened to prevent dryness.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Brush the top with melted butter before baking.
- Add More Depth of Flavor: A splash of red wine in the meat mixture adds richness.
- Prevent a Runny Filling: Let the dish rest before serving so the juices redistribute properly.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes