Description
A classic British comfort dish featuring a savory ground lamb or beef base cooked with vegetables and herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. This shepherd’s pie (or cottage pie when made with beef) is hearty and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled shepherd’s pie.
- Cook Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they become fork tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the drained potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Meat: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Flavor the Meat Mixture: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and chopped rosemary. Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Peas and Season: Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread to cover completely.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired to add a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors settle.
Notes
- Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie or ground beef to make a classic cottage pie.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be used as a substitute for peas and carrots.
- For extra crispy topping, broil the pie for 2 to 3 minutes just before serving.
