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- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for variation) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed - 4 tablespoons butter - ½ cup milk - Grated cheddar cheese for topping (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key for a hearty shepherd's pie. You can use either ground lamb or beef, depending on your taste. I often prefer lamb for its rich flavor. A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. Carrots bring color and a bit of crunch. Frozen peas add a pop of freshness. Don't forget the garlic! It boosts the flavor of your filling. Vegetable broth is great for moisture. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add a savory kick. Thyme and rosemary bring that classic herb taste. For the potato topping, I use four large potatoes. They should be peeled and cubed to cook evenly. Adding butter and milk makes the mash creamy. If you love cheese, sprinkle some cheddar on top for a golden finish. This mix of ingredients creates a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling and cubing four large potatoes. Place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be fork-tender when done. Drain the water from the pot. Set the potatoes aside to prepare for mashing. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of ground lamb or beef. Brown the meat until it is no longer pink. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add one chopped medium onion, two diced carrots, and two minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the mixture until the veggies are soft. This will take another 5 to 7 minutes. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in one cup of frozen peas. Then, add one cup of vegetable broth, one tablespoon of tomato paste, and one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and thicken the sauce. While the filling simmers, return to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes in the pot. Add four tablespoons of butter and half a cup of milk. Mix until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Taste the mash and add more salt if needed. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spoon the meat mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. Next, layer the creamy mashed potatoes on top. Smooth the potatoes with a spatula. If you like, add some grated cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. Place the assembled dish in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the filling bubbling. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle. Use a spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates. Enjoy the rich flavors of your homemade Shepherd's Pie! To make creamy mashed potatoes, I start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well to avoid watery mash. For a rich texture, I add butter and warm milk. I always use a potato masher for the best results. To enhance flavor, I like to mix in a pinch of garlic powder or a touch of cream cheese. You can also add herbs like chives or parsley for freshness. Season with salt to taste, and you’ll have a mash that steals the show. Herbs and spices can really amp up the filling. I love using dried thyme and rosemary, which add great depth. You can also mix in some paprika for a smoky touch. If you want to switch up the protein, you can use beef instead of lamb. For a fun twist, try adding mushrooms or lentils. These ingredients give the filling a hearty texture and extra flavor. You can also sneak in more veggies like corn or bell peppers for added nutrition. Serving can make a big difference. For a great look, I spoon the shepherd's pie into a lovely dish and smooth the mash on top. If I want to impress, I sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese before baking. When it’s done, I garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley. This adds a burst of color and makes it feel special. For an extra touch, you can serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete your meal. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat: While traditional shepherd's pie uses lamb, feel free to substitute with beef for a different flavor profile. Both options work wonderfully! Perfectly Creamy Mash: For an extra creamy mashed potato topping, consider using heavy cream instead of milk and adding a touch of garlic powder for flavor. Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a tasty kick. Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble it and store in the fridge for up to two days before baking, making it a perfect option for meal prep! {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian shepherd's pie by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Lentils are packed with protein and give a hearty feel. Cook the lentils until soft, about 20-25 minutes. If you choose mushrooms, chop them finely and sauté until tender. Adjust cooking time for both lentils and mushrooms. You still need to sauté your onions, carrots, and garlic. Then, mix in the lentils or mushrooms with the broth and seasonings. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. For a vegan shepherd's pie, use plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can find options made from pea protein or soy. These mimic the texture of meat well. Cook the vegan meat just like you would with ground lamb or beef. Also, swap out regular milk and butter in the mashed potatoes for dairy-free options. Use almond milk or oat milk and coconut oil or vegan butter instead. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. Try a Mediterranean-style shepherd's pie by adding olives and feta cheese. Mix these into the filling for a burst of flavor. You can also add cheese on top of the mashed potatoes if you want. Grated cheddar melts beautifully and adds a nice touch. Each variation keeps the heart of shepherd's pie while allowing for creativity. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste! To store leftovers, let the pie cool down first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. To freeze Shepherd's Pie, make sure it has cooled completely. Cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, bake it straight from the fridge at 350°F until hot, about 25-30 minutes. Shepherd's Pie tastes best when warmed through. Serve it at a temperature of about 160°F. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven keeps the top crispy. Always check that it is hot all the way through before serving. Shepherd's Pie comes from the UK. It started as a way to use leftovers. People made this dish with lamb. When they used beef, they called it Cottage Pie. The pie was an easy meal for farmers. It showed how to use simple ingredients. Today, Shepherd's Pie remains a comfort food for many families. Yes, you can make Shepherd's Pie ahead of time. Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes first. Store them separately in the fridge. You can combine them later. This helps the flavors stay fresh. Bake the pie just before serving. This way, it tastes great and is warm. Your Shepherd's Pie is done when the top is golden brown. Check if the filling bubbles at the edges. A light crust shows that it’s ready. If you see steam rising, it’s perfect to serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Shepherd's Pie pairs well with simple side dishes. Try a fresh green salad for crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots also work great. You can serve crusty bread for a hearty meal. For drinks, a light red wine or sparkling water complements the dish nicely. Homemade Shepherd's Pie is a hearty dish with many options. You can use lamb or beef and mix in fresh veggies. Follow the steps to prepare creamy mashed potatoes and flavor-packed filling. With easy tips for variations, you can adapt this dish to your taste. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This comforting meal brings warmth and joy, perfect for sharing.

Cozy Cottage Shepherd's Pie

A comforting shepherd's pie made with ground lamb or beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for variation)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • optional grated cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Stir in the frozen peas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • While the filling simmers, return to the potatoes. Mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the creamy mashed potatoes on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
  • Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
  • Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure to get both filling and mash in each serving.

Notes

Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley for added color and freshness before serving.
Keyword beef, comfort food, lamb, potatoes, shepherd's pie