shepherds pie recipe.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie) – Hearty British Comfort Food

 traditional Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie) recipe is rich, hearty, and perfect for family dinners. Learn how to make it with lamb or beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. 

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Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie are staples of British comfort food. These rich, savoury pies are made with minced meat in a flavourful gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. The only difference? Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef—both are equally delicious and satisfying.

This recipe walks you through both variations, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, or freezer-friendly batch cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan meal that feeds the whole family
• Rich, savoury flavour with creamy, golden mash
• Can be made ahead and frozen

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Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Filling:

• 500g minced lamb (for Shepherd’s Pie) or beef (for Cottage Pie)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 250ml beef or lamb stock
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, to thicken)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil or butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 800g potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward), peeled and chopped
• 50g butter
• 50ml milk or cream
• Salt to taste
• Optional: grated cheddar for topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Filling

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté onions and carrots for 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and minced meat. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle in flour (if using), mix well, then pour in the stock.
5. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mash

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until soft.
2. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F.
2. Spoon meat mixture into an oven dish.
3. Top with mashed potatoes. Smooth with a fork and add cheese if desired.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed peas, green beans, or braised red cabbage.
• For extra richness, serve with onion gravy on the side.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use lamb for Shepherd’s Pie, beef for Cottage Pie.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
• Add a splash of red wine to the meat mix for deeper flavour.

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FAQs

Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes! Assemble it, then freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 180°C for about 1 hour or until piping hot.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—use lentils or plant-based mince and veggie stock for a meat-free version.

What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mature cheddar adds richness, but any melty cheese works.

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Conclusion

Whether you call it Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie, this classic British dish is the definition of comfort food. Warm, filling, and family-approved—it’s a must-have in your recipe rotation