Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British comfort food made with a flavorful meat filling, typically ground lamb, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic dish is hearty, warming, and perfect for a family meal. It’s easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or substitute with ground beef for Cottage Pie)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and quartered
• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup corn for added texture and flavor
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy note in the filling

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer, and mix in the butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground lamb (or beef) and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary, then stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Pour in the broth and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add the peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
4. For a crispy top, use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
2. If you want a more browned top, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Cooking Notes

• Lamb vs. Beef: Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses lamb, but if you use ground beef, it’s called Cottage Pie. Either meat works well for this recipe.
• Mashed Potatoes: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes and heavy cream. If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute with whole milk or even a non-dairy milk alternative.

Variations

1. Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

Mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping the pie for an extra cheesy and indulgent variation.

2. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Swap the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or vegetarian ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a vegetarian version of this classic dish.

3. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

For a healthier twist, use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the topping. The sweet flavor of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory lamb filling.

4. Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

Omit the flour or substitute with cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes! Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?
This dish pairs well with a light green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the rich gravy. You can also serve it with a side of pickled beets or roasted Brussels sprouts.

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With its savory lamb filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a dish that will please the entire family. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or make it ahead for a stress-free meal!