Shepherd's Pie / Cottage Pie

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1.5 lbs ground lamb (for Shepherd's Pie) OR ground beef (for Cottage Pie)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or lamb broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn, added near end
• For the Topping:
  • 2 lbs potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup warm milk or cream
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • Optional: Grated cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare Topping: Boil potatoes in salted water until very tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well. Mash thoroughly with butter and warm milk/cream until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper.
2. Prepare Filling: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Cook until softened (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Add ground meat, increase heat slightly, and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in flour and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually stir in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Stir in optional peas/corn during the last 5 minutes.
6. Assemble Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If filling wasn't cooked in an ovenproof skillet, transfer it to a 2-quart casserole dish. Spoon the mashed potato topping evenly over the meat filling. Use a fork to create ridges or patterns on top (helps with browning). Sprinkle with grated cheese, if using.
7. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet (to catch spills). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
8. Serve: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving hot.

What Makes It Special:

Shepherd's Pie (lamb) and Cottage Pie (beef) are classic British comfort foods. The appeal lies in the deeply savory, rich meat and vegetable filling simmered in gravy, topped with a comforting, creamy blanket of mashed potatoes that becomes beautifully golden in the oven. It's a hearty, economical, and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for warming up on a chilly day.