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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Homestyle Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

You layer savory meat and vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes, then bake it until golden and bubbling. That’s how you have a perfect Shepherd's Pie for breakfast. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground lamb (or ground beef if preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced small
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Mashed Potato Topping
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
For Baking
  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Boil peeled potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
  2. Brown ground lamb in olive oil for 6–7 minutes in a skillet.
  3. Add onion, carrots, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and flour, then add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes and add peas.
  5. Spread filling in a buttered baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Notes

  • Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking.
  • Brown the meat well to deepen flavor.
  • Dice vegetables small for better texture.
  • Use a fork to create crispy ridges on the potato topping.
  • Let the pie rest before serving so it holds its shape.