What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Shepherd’s Pie is comforting, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners. You’ll love it because it’s packed with rich flavors and simple to make using everyday ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers! Each bite offers creamy mashed potatoes on top of a savory meat and veggie filling, making it a complete meal in one dish. It’s also customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein. Finally, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead and reheat for busy nights.
Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish featuring a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground lamb over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Add peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- Substitute ground beef for a cottage pie variation.
- For extra flavor, add grated cheese to the mashed potatoes.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Potato masher
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: British
Serving: 4-6 people
Nutrition
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty dish packed with nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my shepherd’s pie with warm, buttery garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up the rich flavors. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add a crispy, healthy side that balances the dish. These sides make the meal feel complete and even more satisfying.
Garlic Bread Pairing
Nothing beats the comforting combo of creamy shepherd’s pie and a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. The crispy edges and soft center soak up the rich gravy, while the garlic adds a punch that cuts through the dish’s heartiness. I love toasting mine until golden, then brushing it with garlic-infused butter—simple, but irresistible. It’s the kind of side that turns a meal into a feast, and honestly, who can resist tearing off an extra piece? Just be sure to make plenty—once it hits the table, it disappears fast. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.
Roasted Vegetables Side
A side of roasted vegetables can be the perfect way to balance the hearty richness of shepherd’s pie, adding color, texture, and a touch of freshness to your plate. I love tossing carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting them until they’re caramelized and tender. The sweetness of the veggies pairs so well with the savory pie, and it’s an easy way to sneak in extra nutrients. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. It’s a simple side, but it makes the meal feel complete and a bit fancier.
