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Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This classic comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home. It uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it approachable even if you’re new to making shepherd’s pie.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Potato Topping
  • 2 pounds potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground lamb, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add onion and carrots and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  5. Add garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  9. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  10. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
  11. Use a fork to create ridges across the potatoes.
  12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and golden on top.
  13. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.