Classic Shepherd's pie recipe

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Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in cozy vibes with every bite. Imagine layers of savory, flavorful meat topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes baked to perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug, especially on chilly nights.

Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a solo treat when you’re craving something special. Plus, it’s super versatile! Add your twist with red wine, sweet potato mash, or extra cheese for a personal touch. Whether you're a pro chef or a kitchen newbie, this classic dish is sure to impress and delight.

Servings

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Equipment

Baking Oven
Cooking pot
Frying Pan
Baking tray Or oven proof vessels

Ingredients

For the filling

500 g Ground lamb
100 g Onions
150 g Carrots
50 g Frozen Peas fresh is highly preferred
10 g Finely chopped garlic
25 g Tomato puree
1 cup Lamb stock or beef broth chicken stock also does the magic
15 g Worcestershire sauce
To taste 10g each Salt and pepper
30 g Celery
5 g Fresh Thyme Dried also can be used
3 g Fresh Rosemary Dried also can be used
2 no Bay leaf
50 ml Olive oil or even lamb lard

Mashed potatoes

500 g Potatoes
50 g Butter
50 ml Fresh Cream or milk
To taste Salt and pepper
30 g Shredded or grated Cheddar cheese optional but delicious

Instructions

Prepare the filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and most of the fat is rendered.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and lamb or beef stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
Stir in the frozen peas, if using fresh peas add during the stock adding stage. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.

Prepare the Mashed Potato

While the filling cooks, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, fully cooked (about 20-30 minutes).
Drain the potatoes and mash them while hot. Add butter, cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For extra indulgence, stir in the grated cheddar cheese.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Spoon the lamb filling evenly into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, using a fork to create ridges for a crispy texture. If you feel extra fancy, you can also pipe them together using a piping bag.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Notes

Stock Choices: You can use beef or lamb stock, but lamb stock will enhance the authenticity of the dish. If you want a lighter flavor, chicken stock is a good alternative.
Topping Variations: The mashed potatoes can be made creamier or lighter by adjusting the butter and cream amount. You can also add garlic to the mash for extra flavor.
Vegetables: The mix of carrots, peas, and celery provides a nice balance of sweetness, earthiness, and crunch. Feel free to swap or add other veggies like parsnips or mushrooms for variety.

Author: The Gourmet Palette

Calories: 350kcal

Course: British cuisine

Cuisine: England, Europe

Keyword: authentic shepherd's pie, Classic Shepherd's Pie Recipe, recipe for shepherd's pie, shepherd's pie, shepherd's pie recipe

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