Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2
Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
Cook the filling: In a large pan, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until the onions are translucent.
Step 4
Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
Step 5
Stir in the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6
Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
Step 7
Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8
Assemble: Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish, then top with the mashed potatoes.
Step 9
If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 10
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 11
Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips:
Prevent Soggy Potatoes: Let the meat mixture cool slightly before spreading the mashed potatoes on top to prevent the layers from blending.
Golden, Crispy Top: For an extra-crispy topping, broil the Shepherd’s Pie for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
Thicker Filling: If the filling is too runny, simmer it a bit longer to reduce excess liquid and create a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
Freezing Tip: Assemble the pie up to the baking stage, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating Leftovers: Reheat Shepherd’s Pie in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Variations:
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: Replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, and finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth for the sauce.
Sweet Potato Topping: Swap regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed, slightly sweeter topping.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie: Stir shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top before baking.
Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, or chives to the mashed potatoes for a burst of flavor.
Spicy Shepherd’s Pie: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat filling.
Cottage Pie with Beef: Use ground beef instead of lamb for a classic Cottage Pie variation.