Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food loved around the world. It’s a savory dish made with seasoned ground meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. Traditionally, it uses lamb, but many people use beef too. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners. It’s simple, filling, and packed with flavors that warm the soul. If you’ve never tried making shepherd’s pie at home, this recipe will guide you step-by-step, so you can enjoy this cozy dish anytime.

Quick Facts

Shepherd’s pie is a perfect weeknight dinner—easy to prepare but tastes like it took hours.

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large skillet or frying pan: For browning the meat and cooking vegetables.
• Medium saucepan: To boil potatoes for mashing.
• Mixing bowl: To mash the potatoes smoothly.
• Baking dish or casserole dish (8×8 or similar): To layer and bake the shepherd’s pie.
• Potato masher or fork: To mash the potatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the filling.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To get your ingredients just right.

Having these tools ready will make your cooking process smoother and faster.

Ingredients

For a classic shepherd’s pie, you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef if you prefer)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lbs potatoes)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the potatoes: Peel, chop, and boil potatoes until soft (about 15 minutes). Drain, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
4. Brown the meat: Add ground lamb or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in peas last.
6. Layer in baking dish: Spread the meat mixture evenly, then top with mashed potatoes. Smooth the top.
7. Bake uncovered: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and crispy.
8. Rest and serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Essential Note: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffy mash. Make sure the meat mixture is not too watery; simmer long enough to reduce excess liquid. This keeps the pie from becoming soggy.