Description

This shepherd’s pie recipe is a classic comfort dish made with savory ground meat, vegetables in rich gravy, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and make-ahead meals, it delivers traditional flavor with reliable, restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

1½ lb ground lamb or ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Potato Topping

2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender.
Drain potatoes, return to pot, and let steam dry for 1 minute.
Add butter and warm milk, mash until smooth, and season with salt and pepper.
Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Drain excess fat, then add onion and cook until translucent.
Add garlic and carrots, cooking briefly until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and broth.
Add peas, thyme, salt, and pepper, then simmer until thickened.
Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to edges and creating texture.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and bubbling.
Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Let rest before serving for cleaner slices.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 435
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: shepherd's pie recipe, classic shepherd's pie, comfort food, cottage pie, baked dinner