Description
This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, making it the perfect comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a gathering, this hearty dish can be customized with various protein alternatives and vegetables. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free dinner or enjoy it fresh from the oven for a satisfying, flavorful meal
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Carrot, finely chopped
- Celery, finely chopped
- Ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- All-purpose flour
- Tomato paste
- Beef stock or broth
- Grape juice
- Beef bouillon cube
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Frozen peas
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Butter
- Milk
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add ground lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in flour and tomato paste; cook briefly.
- Pour in beef stock and grape juice, then add the crumbled bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Mix in frozen peas, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a baking dish.
-
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Boil potatoes until tender; drain and return to the pot.
- Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread mashed potatoes over the meat filling in the baking dish.
- Use a fork to create texture on the surface.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, mix in cheddar or Gruyère cheese into the mashed potatoes.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute lamb with lentils or a hearty mix of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner version or ground beef for a traditional Cottage Pie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Comfort Food, Dinner, Family Meal
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: British
