Shepherd’s pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, 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 referred to as Cottage Pie. Here’s a simple and classic recipe for Shepherd’s Pie:

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef if you prefer)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 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 cubed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for a richer mashed potato)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
   • Add the garlic and diced carrot, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the carrot starts to soften.
   • Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
   • Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
   • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat mixture, smoothing the surface with a spatula. You can make a decorative pattern on top with the back of a fork if you like.

4. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:

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

5. Serve:

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

This Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for a cozy dinner, and the creamy mashed potatoes on top create the ideal balance with the savory, flavorful meat filling. You can also make it in advance and reheat it for a quick meal.

Enjoy your hearty meal, and let me know if you need any adjustments or tips! 😊