Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – British Classic with Rich Lamb Filling
Meta Description: Make the perfect Shepherd’s Pie with savoury lamb mince, vegetables, and creamy mashed potato topping. A hearty, oven-baked British comfort meal for the whole family!
📝 Introduction
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British dish that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a rainy day. Made with savoury minced lamb and vegetables, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection — this dish is a staple in UK households and pubs alike.
Perfect for a Sunday dinner or a midweek treat, this one-pan dish is filling, flavorful, and great for leftovers too!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
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500g minced lamb
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 carrots, diced
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1/2 cup peas
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1 tbsp tomato puree
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp rosemary
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1 tbsp flour
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1 cup beef or lamb stock
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp oil
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
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4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 tbsp butter
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1/4 cup milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar for topping
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
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Heat oil in a large pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
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Add minced lamb and brown evenly.
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Stir in carrots, peas, tomato puree, herbs, and flour. Cook 2 minutes.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and stock. Simmer 15 minutes until thick.
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Season and remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Mash
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Boil potatoes until tender. Drain.
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Mash with butter and milk until smooth.
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Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
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Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
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Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish.
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Layer mashed potato on top. Use a fork to create texture.
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Sprinkle cheese if using.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
🌟 Tips
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Use beef mince for a Cottage Pie version.
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Let the pie sit 5–10 minutes after baking before serving.
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Add a splash of red wine to the filling for extra depth.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Q: What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
A: Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb; Cottage Pie uses beef.