Go Back
Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food — a savory casserole layered with flavorful ground meat, tender vegetables, and topped with creamy, golden-brown mashed potatoes. It’s a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you make it with ground lamb for a traditional version or ground beef for a classic cottage pie twist, this dish always delivers homestyle comfort in every bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine British, Irish
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling:

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef for cottage pie
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp flour optional, to thicken

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 2 lbs potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for topping

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and boil until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.
  • Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to cover completely. Use a fork to create texture on top. Sprinkle cheese if desired.
  • Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, while ground beef makes it a “cottage pie.”
  • Add a splash of red wine to the filling for deeper flavor.
  • Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — perfect for meal prep!
Keyword Shepherd’s Pie