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Best Ultimate Shepherd's Pie Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: British
Calories: 435
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

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

Notes

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