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Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Olivia Brooks
This Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe features savory ground lamb, onions, carrots, peas, rich broth, and fluffy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Servings 6 servings
Calories 465 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Potato masher
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

For the meat filling

  • 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or ½ teaspoon dried
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the mashed potato topping

  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional topping:

  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

  • Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  • Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the meat filling

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft.
  • Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Brown the meat

  • Add the ground lamb or beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  • This step builds the rich base flavor for the Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe.

Step 4: Add vegetables

  • Stir in the diced carrots and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the filling

  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the peas and cook for another minute.

Step 6: Assemble the pie

  • 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 gently spread them to cover the filling completely.
  • Use a fork to create small ridges on top. This helps the potatoes turn golden in the oven.

Step 7: Bake

  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
  • If using cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Rest before serving

  • Let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set nicely.
Keyword Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe