Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food dish originating from the UK. Traditionally made with minced lamb and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making shepherd’s pie at home.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 500g minced lamb (or beef for a cottage pie variation)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or lamb stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and mash the potatoes, then mix in the milk, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced lamb and cook until browned. Remove any excess fat.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for 2 minutes to combine.
- Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the peas, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Transfer the meat filling to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading it out with a spatula. Use a fork to create a textured pattern on top for added crispiness.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes if desired.
4. Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Serve
- Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the flavor of the dish, but dried herbs work well too.
- Customize Vegetables: Add mushrooms, corn, or other vegetables to the filling for extra variety.
- Crispy Topping: For a golden crust, brush the mashed potatoes with a little melted butter before baking.
Shepherd’s pie is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s easy to adapt to your preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own twist on it, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
