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Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe delivers ultimate comfort dining with a rich, savory lamb or beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, traditional dish perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Savory Filling

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef (choose lamb for traditional flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef or lamb broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried herbs

For the Creamy Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream, warmed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning a rack in the center to ensure even baking of the shepherd’s pie.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and diced carrots, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Cook Meat: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently until fully browned and no pink remains.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
  5. Simmer Filling: Pour in the beef or lamb broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 8–10 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
  6. Fold in Peas & Transfer: Stir in the frozen peas last, mixing well. Transfer the savory filling evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  7. Boil Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes, then place them in salted boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Assemble Pie: Spoon or dollop the mashed potatoes over the meat filling in the baking dish. Optionally sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra richness.
  10. Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Notes

  • Use lamb for a more authentic shepherd’s pie flavor; beef is a common substitute known as cottage pie.
  • Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the filling—don’t skip it.
  • Ensure potatoes are well drained before mashing to avoid watery topping.
  • Cheddar cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious golden crust.
  • Let the shepherd’s pie rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, classic shepherd’s pie, lamb pie, comfort food, baked casserole, mashed potato topping

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/best-classic-shepherds-pie-recipe-for-ultimate-comfort-dining-recipe/