Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe!

🥧 Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Traditional)

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Meat Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500g lamb mince

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 500ml lamb or beef stock

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• Salt & black pepper

Mashed Potato Topping

• 1kg floury potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)

• 50g butter

• 100ml warm milk

• Salt & pepper

(Optional: 50g grated cheddar for topping)

👨‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Make the Mash

1. Peel and chop potatoes

2. Boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender

3. Drain well, mash with butter and milk

4. Season and set aside

2️⃣ Cook the Filling

1. Heat oil in a large pan

2. Fry onion and carrots for 5 minutes

3. Add garlic, cook 1 minute

4. Add lamb mince, brown well

3️⃣ Build the Sauce

1. Stir in tomato purée and flour

2. Cook 1 minute

3. Gradually add stock, stirring

4. Add Worcestershire sauce and herbs

5. Simmer 20 minutes until thick

4️⃣ Assemble

1. Spoon lamb mixture into an oven dish

2. Spread mash evenly on top

3. Rough up surface with a fork (for crispy peaks)

4. Sprinkle cheese if using

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25–30 minutes

• Top should be golden and bubbling

🍽️ To Serve

• Buttered peas or green beans

• Steamed cabbage

• Crusty bread

❓ Q & A – Shepherd’s Pie

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

A: Shepherd’s pie uses lamb. Cottage pie uses beef.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes. Assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake.

Q: Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?

A: Yes — freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I get crispy mash on top?

A: Fork ridges + a little cheese or butter on top helps browning.

Q: Can I add peas?

A: Absolutely — stir in 100g frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of simmering.