Shepherd’s Pie

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where classic comfort foods deliver cozy, hearty satisfaction. If you’re tired of bland casseroles or dry meatloaf, this Shepherd’s Pie layers savory ground lamb (or beef) with carrots, peas, and rich gravy under creamy mashed potato topping perfect for family dinners, St. Patrick’s Day, or cold nights.

Golden-baked with bubbling edges, it’s traditional British pub fare made easy at home. With years of casserole expertise, I’ve perfected this one-dish wonder. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, steps, variations, and tips.

Why This Recipe Works

• Ground lamb simmers with aromatic veggies and herbs for deep, savory gravy.​
• Mashed potatoes create golden, crispy topping while sealing in meaty juices.​
• Tomato paste, Worcestershire, and broth build rich flavor without hours of cooking.​

Ingredients & Prep

Meat Filling​

• 1 lb ground lamb (traditional) or 90% lean ground beef​
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

Potato Topping​

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup half-and-half or milk
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain.​
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic 5 minutes.​
3. Add ground lamb/beef; cook until browned, drain fat. Stir in tomato paste, flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper 2 minutes.​
4. Add broth and Worcestershire; simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas/corn.​
5. Mash drained potatoes with butter, half-and-half, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheese until creamy.​
6. Transfer filling to 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly, dot with remaining butter.​
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.​

Flavor Variations

• Cottage Pie: Use ground beef instead of lamb.​
• Irish: Add Guinness stout to broth for malty depth.
• Veggie: Use lentils and extra mushrooms for meatless.​

Storage Tips

Store covered in fridge 4 days or freeze assembled unbaked 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until hot.​

FAQs

• Lamb vs beef? Lamb traditional for shepherd’s; beef makes cottage pie.
• Make ahead? Assemble, refrigerate up to 2 days, add 10 minutes bake time.​
• Instant Pot? Sauté filling, pressure cook potatoes separately.​

Conclusion

Classic Shepherd’s Pie savory meaty filling under golden mashed potato perfection. Ultimate comfort food. For more hearty casseroles, visit dishfoody.com and try our Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges.

Shepherd’s Pie

Print Recipe

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with savory ground lamb (or beef), carrots, peas, and onions topped with creamy mashed potatoes and golden cheese crust. Ultimate comfort food casserole.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Casserole
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: British, Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the filling:
• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
•  
• For the topping:
• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
• 2. In oven-safe skillet, brown ground lamb over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
• 3. Add onion, carrots, garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas.
• 4. Mash potatoes with cream, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• 5. Spread mashed potatoes over meat filling. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
• 6. Bake 20-25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Use ground beef for Cottage Pie variation.
• Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days.
• Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
• Perfect St. Patrick’s Day or weeknight comfort food.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scoop
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, ground lamb casserole, mashed potato casserole, comfort food