Shepherd’s pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, comforting dish made with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally, it’s made with lamb (since it’s called “shepherd’s pie”), but if you use beef, it’s known as Cottage Pie. Here’s a simple and quick recipe for Shepherd’s Pie:

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth (or lamb broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

   • While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and carrot, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrot begins to soften.
   • Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine.
   • Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Transfer the meat filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
   • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling, using a spatula to smooth the top. If you want a decorative touch, you can use the back of a fork to create a pattern on top of the mashed potatoes.

4. Bake:

   • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
   • If you’d like a more golden top, you can broil the pie for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

   • Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

This Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and satisfying meal with layers of flavor from the savory meat filling and the creamy mashed potatoes on top. It’s a great family-friendly dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Enjoy, and let me know if you’d like to try variations or need any tips! 😊