My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic that brings together savory meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes in one delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners, this homemade version is packed with rich flavors and easy to prepare. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes by placing the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and covering them with water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the diced carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir well and let simmer until the liquid reduces slightly, creating a thick, flavorful filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing with a spatula. For extra flair, create swirls or peaks using the back of a spoon. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer mashed potato topping, use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra butter.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add finely chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley to the meat filling for extra aroma.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the traditional flavor.

Storage

Store leftover shepherd’s pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately in advance and assemble just before baking. Alternatively, fully assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

Shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb, while cottage pie is made with ground beef. Both recipes have similar layers of meat and mashed potatoes.

My Famous Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This classic Homemade Shepherd’s Pie features a savory meat filling of ground lamb or beef mixed with vegetables and herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and optionally sprinkled with cheddar cheese for a golden, crispy crust. A hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in diced carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Stir well and let simmer until the liquid reduces slightly to create a thick, flavorful filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the meat mixture evenly into a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing it with a spatula. For an attractive finish, create swirls or peaks using the back of a spoon. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato topping to add a cheesy crust.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping turns golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef or lamb depending on preference for traditional flavor variations.
• For a richer mashed potato topping, use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Adding cheddar cheese on top is optional but adds a delicious, crispy crust.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth and not too runny to achieve the perfect topping texture.

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Homemade Shepherd’s Pie, Ground Meat Pie, Comfort Food, British Recipe, Mashed Potato Topping