Shepherd’s pie

Here’s a classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe — comforting, savory, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. 🥔🥩

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Shepherd’s Pie

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 lbs potatoes)

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup milk or cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven:

   • Preheat to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cook the filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.

   • Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.

   • Stir in carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Pour in broth and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

   • Stir in peas and remove from heat.

3. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

   • Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble:

   • Spread the meat mixture evenly into a baking dish (about 9×13-inch).

   • Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly.

   • Use a fork to create ridges for browning.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

   • For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

6. Serve:

   • Let cool slightly before serving.

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Tips & Variations:

• 🧀 Cheesy topping: Mix ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes.

• 🌿 Herb twist: Add rosemary or parsley to the filling for extra flavor.

• 🥕 Extra veggies: Include corn, green beans, or mushrooms.

• 🥘 Make-ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.

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Would you like me to give you a slow cooker version or a creamy cheesy variation of Shepherd’s Pie next?