Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly across the bottom.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface (this helps with browning).
Step 4: Bake
- Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30