Flavour Quest Recipes

Shepherd’s Pie

This classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting baked dish made with a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly, it’s a timeless dinner that works just as well for weeknights as it does for make-ahead meals.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 lb Ground beef or ground lamb
1 Medium onion, finely chopped medium, finely chopped
2 Cloves garlic minced
1 cup Carrot diced
1 cup Peas frozen
2 tbsp Tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup Beef broth
1/2 tsp Thyme dried
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
2 tbsp Olive oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
2 lb Potato peeled and cubed
4 tbsp Unsalted butter
1/2 cup Sour cream optional
Salt & pepper to taste

Method

Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter, milk, and sour cream, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Vegetables & Sauce
Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Assemble the Pie
Spread the meat filling evenly into a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and smooth with a spatula.Use a fork to create light ridges (for browning).
Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔄 Variations

Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie.

Swap lamb for ground beef for a cottage pie version.

Add corn or peas for extra texture and sweetness.

Top with cheddar cheese for a richer finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of green beans or a simple salad.
Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Shepherd’s pie also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight and reheat until hot throughout.

💡 Tip

For a richer flavor, use ground lamb — the traditional choice for authentic Shepherd’s Pie.
To get a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Add shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy twist.
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.

❓ FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
A: Shepherd’s pie uses lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef.

Q: Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble it fully, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly as the topping.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.

🥘 Shepherd’s Pie