Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – A British Comfort Classic

Meta Description: Learn how to make the perfect Shepherd’s Pie with rich minced lamb, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes. A comforting British dish loved across the UK!

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📝 Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate British comfort food, often enjoyed on chilly evenings or Sunday lunches. It features savoury minced lamb in a rich gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Loved by all generations, this dish is simple, satisfying, and full of homely flavours.

Let’s dive into this heart-warming traditional recipe! ❤️

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Lamb Filling:

• 500g minced lamb

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1/2 cup green peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 tbsp plain flour

• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable stock

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Potato Topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/4 cup milk or cream

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: grated cheddar cheese for topping

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15–20 mins).

2. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Lamb Filling

1. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

2. Add lamb and brown it well.

3. Stir in carrots, peas, and flour. Cook 2 mins.

4. Add tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and stock.

5. Simmer for 15–20 mins until thickened.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Spoon lamb mixture into a baking dish.

3. Spread mashed potatoes on top. Fluff with a fork.

4. Sprinkle cheese (optional) and bake for 20–25 mins or until golden.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve hot with:

• Steamed greens or peas

• Brown gravy (optional)

• A glass of red wine for a proper British pub feel 🍷

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🌟 Tips

• Use minced beef instead of lamb for Cottage Pie variation.

• Add a splash of red wine to the lamb for extra depth.

• For crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! Cool completely, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes – use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince.

Q: What’s the difference between Cottage and Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s uses lamb, Cottage uses beef.