Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty dish featuring a savory layer of ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This traditional recipe is a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s loved by all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting, one-dish meal that’s easy to make.
- Packed with protein, vegetables, and a rich, savory flavor.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- A true classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meat Filling:
- Ground lamb or beef (lamb is traditional for shepherd’s pie)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Peas (fresh or frozen)
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef or chicken broth
- Flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Grated cheese for a golden, cheesy crust
Directions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Add ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the broth, stirring to create a thick, savory sauce. Add peas and herbs if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading them to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create decorative ridges if desired.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- For extra crispness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cottage Pie: Use ground beef instead of lamb for a different twist.
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of hearty vegetables.
- Cheesy Crust: Mix grated cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top.
- Lower Carb: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Shepherd’s pie freezes well. Assemble the pie and freeze before baking, or freeze cooked leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef.
3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Mashed sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and pair well with the savory filling.
4. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire adds depth, but you can omit it or substitute soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
5. Can I add wine to the filling?
Yes, a splash of red wine enhances the flavor. Reduce it slightly before adding the broth.
6. Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes?
Yes, pre-made mashed potatoes can save time. Just warm them before spreading.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Corn, green beans, or diced zucchini are great additions.
8. How do I ensure the mashed potatoes stay fluffy?
Use warm milk and avoid over-mashing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
9. Can I make mini shepherd’s pies?
Yes, portion the filling and mashed potatoes into ramekins or muffin tins for individual servings.
10. What can I serve with shepherd’s pie?
Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless dish that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Whether you stick to tradition or try one of the many variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
Print
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Irish
Description
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, traditional dish made with savory ground lamb, a rich vegetable gravy, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. This comforting meal is ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or lamb stock
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, Parmesan (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Stir in the peas and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the filling to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing the top with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges for extra crispness.
- Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a creamier mash, add an extra splash of milk or cream.
- Add a splash of red wine to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.