Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish made with savory ground lamb, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. This classic Irish and British dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal.
Let’s make a traditional Shepherd’s Pie with tender meat, veggies, and a golden, crispy potato topping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – A perfect blend of meat, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and bake when ready!
✔️ Classic Irish & British Comfort Food – A must-try traditional dish.
✔️ Customizable – Use beef (Cottage Pie) or add extra veggies for your twist!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or substitute with ground beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or lamb stock)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the sauce)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold for best texture)
- ½ cup milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temp for easy mixing)
- ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra crispiness! 🧀)
🌀 How to Make Shepherd’s Pie (Step-by-Step Guide)
1️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in frozen peas, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a spatula.
- (Optional) Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for 5 minutes, then dig in and enjoy this classic, comforting dish!
✨ Pro Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie
✔️ Use lamb for authentic flavor – Otherwise, it’s a Cottage Pie!
✔️ Add red wine – A splash (¼ cup) of red wine in the meat sauce deepens the flavor.
✔️ For a crispy top, use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes before baking!
✔️ Make it dairy-free – Use olive oil & dairy-free milk in the potatoes.
🍽️ Variations & Additions
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Mix in roasted garlic & parmesan cheese.
- Loaded Veggie Version – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Twist – Add 1 tsp smoked paprika & red chili flakes for heat.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
🍷 What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie
✔️ Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
✔️ Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
✔️ Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Green Beans – Adds a healthy veggie side.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
To Store:
❄️ Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
❄️ Freeze in a baking dish, tightly covered, for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
🔥 Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or microwave in portions.
✨ Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food!
Shepherd’s Pie is rich, hearty, and satisfying—a dish perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or meal prep. With its fluffy mashed potatoes, savory meat filling, and golden-brown crust, it’s comfort food at its finest!
