Classic Shepherd’s Pie
A quintessential British comfort food, Shepherd’s Pie features a hearty mince (ground lamb) filling cooked with vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a chilly evening!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 500g ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 400ml beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 50g butter
- 100ml milk (or cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently bubble for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add frozen peas and thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the filling simmers, boil potatoes in salted water until very tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk/cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in grated cheese if desired.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Spoon the meat filling into an oven-safe dish (if not already in one). Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the meat, using a fork to create ridges.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy creating this delightful dish! Happy cooking!
