Shepherd’s Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Cozy Nights
Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect dish when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and comforting. Originating from the UK, this savory classic is made with a rich, flavorful ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Meat Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the peas, corn, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Mashed Potato Topping
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble & Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Use a fork to create texture on top for a crispy finish.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Shepherd’s Pie is best served warm with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
- 🥘 Cast Iron Skillet – Cook your filling and bake in one pan for easy cleanup and great flavor.
- 🔪 Chef’s Knife – Make prepping onions, carrots, and more quick and precise.
- 🥄 Potato Masher – Achieve creamy mashed potatoes without lumps.
- 🥔 Russet Potatoes – Fluffy, starchy, and ideal for the topping.
- 🌿 Dried Thyme & Rosemary – Adds deep, savory flavor to your meat filling.
- 🧀 Cheddar Cheese Block – Shredding your own cheese = better melt and flavor.
- 🍽️ Oven-Safe Baking Dish – Great for serving family-style and keeping everything warm.
With these essentials, your Shepherd’s Pie will turn out perfect every time. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!