Name: Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup frozen corn; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup milk; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food casserole—layers of savory, saucy ground lamb and veggies snuggled beneath a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes, baked until bubbling and golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and beautifully simple, yet always impressive enough for family dinner or a special get-together. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own flair, this classic dish brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shepherd’s Pie lies in its wholesome, straightforward ingredients. Every element serves a purpose, from the tender meat to the fluffy potatoes, coming together to create a symphony of flavor and texture in every bite.

Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps soften the vegetables at the start.
Ground lamb (or ground beef): Lamb is classic and brings a robust, slightly sweet depth; beef works beautifully too for a more familiar taste.
Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the filling.
Garlic: Just two cloves brighten up the entire dish with their aroma.
Carrots: Bring a pop of color and a gentle earthy sweetness to the mix.
Frozen peas: Offer bursts of texture and color, plus that signature touch of English comfort.
Frozen corn: Adds a sweet, juicy bite that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.
Tomato paste: Deepens the sauce and adds a hint of tang.
Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for umami and a complex, savory backbone.
Fresh thyme (or dried): A little herbaceous lift that makes the whole pie fragrant and inviting.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Beef broth: Makes the filling extra juicy and helps everything meld together.
Potatoes: The foundation of the topping—choose a starchy variety for ultimate fluffiness.
Milk: Helps achieve that smooth, creamy mash for the topping.
Unsalted butter: For rich, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a golden, gooey top layer if you love a cheesy finish.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into chunks, then boil them in well-salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain thoroughly, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until silky and smooth. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, stir in that optional cheddar cheese for a melty, golden finish. Set the mash aside while you make the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot, letting them soften and lightly caramelize for about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about a minute—being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon and cooking until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain off any extra fat to keep the filling from getting greasy.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Filling

Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring well so everything’s evenly coated. Pour in the beef broth, and let the whole mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly saucy. Just before finishing, stir in the peas and corn and cook for 2 more minutes, until the veggies are bright and tender.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Transfer the piping-hot meat and veggie mixture to a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out to the edges. For a classic look (and extra crispy peaks), drag a fork across the surface to create ridges.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let your Shepherd’s Pie rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up and makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley scattered over the top right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note. If you’re a fan of a little zing, a sprinkle of chives or even a dash of cracked black pepper makes your Shepherd’s Pie look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This cozy dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or sautéed cabbage are classic choices that bring balance and a little crunch to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking individual Shepherd’s Pies in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also pipe the mashed potatoes on top for a fancy finish, or use a cookie cutter to create playful shapes with the mash for kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shepherd’s Pie keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Shepherd’s Pie is freezer-friendly! Assemble the entire dish, let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights when you crave homemade comfort.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until piping hot throughout (about 20 to 30 minutes). For individual servings, the microwave works well, though the oven keeps that lovely golden top.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Absolutely! While lamb is traditional to Shepherd’s Pie, ground beef is a delicious and widely loved alternative. Just note that using beef technically makes it “cottage pie,” but the spirit (and the comfort) remains the same.

What kind of potatoes work best for the topping?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are perfect for mashing. They cook up fluffy and smooth, giving your Shepherd’s Pie that irresistibly creamy top layer.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Shepherd’s Pie is wonderfully adaptable—try adding mushrooms, parsnips, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure any extra veggies are diced small so they cook evenly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the milk and butter in the mashed potatoes for plant-based alternatives like oat milk and vegan butter. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free version for a completely dairy-free Shepherd’s Pie.

Can I assemble Shepherd’s Pie in advance?

You sure can. Assemble the entire pie (but don’t bake it yet), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s hot and bubbling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that’s both timeless and soul-soothing, Shepherd’s Pie is a true classic that never disappoints. Gather your loved ones, whip up this hearty casserole, and savor every comforting forkful—it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting British and Irish classic featuring a savory ground lamb filling cooked with vegetables and herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to a golden perfection. This hearty casserole combines tender meat with flavorful veggies and a cheesy potato crust, making it perfect for a satisfying main course meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen corn
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth

Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
Boil and Mash Potatoes: Place peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Boil for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain well, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If using cheddar cheese, stir it in now. Set mashed potatoes aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Brown the Meat: Add ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then add frozen peas and corn, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Assemble the Pie: Transfer the lamb and vegetable mixture into a 9-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potato topping over the meat. Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potatoes to help them brown nicely while baking.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
Rest and Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

Traditional shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb; using beef makes it technically a cottage pie.
You can prepare the pie ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating it up to 2 days before baking.
For a richer topping, add shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes.
Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: British, Irish