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A freshly baked shepherd's pie with a golden-brown mashed potato topping.

Proven way to grow a perfect Shepherd's Pie

This recipe provides a proven method to create a delicious and satisfying Shepherd's Pie, featuring a rich meaty base and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It's a comforting classic that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1.5 lbs ground lamb
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping
  • 2 lbs potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 egg yolk

Equipment

  • large oven-safe skillet
  • potato masher
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • saucepan

Method
 

Prepare the filling
  1. Brown the ground lamb in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Prepare the mashed potato topping
  1. While the filling simmers, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until very tender.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot.
  3. Mash the potatoes with milk and butter until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in the egg yolk for richness and a golden-brown finish.
Assemble and bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the meat filling evenly in the bottom of the oven-safe skillet or transfer to a baking dish.
  3. Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the meat, spreading it to the edges.
  4. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato topping.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serve
  1. Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking. If you don't have ground lamb, ground beef can be used for a classic Cottage Pie.