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Easy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

A hearty Shepherd’s Pie made with savory meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection — the ultimate comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling:
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary or ½ tsp dried
  • ½ cup beef broth or stock
  • Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
  • 2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions and carrots for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in garlic, then add ground lamb and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add broth and simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in frozen peas and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Mash with butter, milk, and salt until creamy.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth evenly.
  7. (Optional) Rough up surface with a fork and sprinkle with cheese.
  8. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground lamb for authenticity, or beef for a cottage pie version.
  • Broil the pie for 2–3 minutes for a crisp golden crust.
  • Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  • Add mushrooms, corn, or green beans for extra flavor.