Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:
– 1 pound ground lamb (or ground beef for Cottage Pie)
– 1 onion , chopped
– 2 cloves garlic , minced
– 2 carrots , diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper , to taste
– 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:
– 2 pounds potatoes , peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper , to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
– Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
– Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the Meat Filling:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground lamb or beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet with the meat and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
– Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and broth. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture cook until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
– Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Pie:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. If desired, rake a fork across the top to create ridges that will crisp up.
– Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mashed potatoes, if using.

4. Bake:
– Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and the edges are bubbly.
– If necessary, broil for the last few minutes to achieve a more golden top.

5. Serve:
– Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Tips:
– Enhancing Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat as it cooks. Just let it reduce before adding the broth.
– Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version, using vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
– Make Ahead: Shepherd’s Pie is a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake it.

This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe offers all the traditional flavors with minimal fuss, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. Enjoy your delicious creation!