There are some meals that feel like a warm hug—and classic shepherd’s pie is definitely one of them.

This hearty British dish is packed with rich, savory flavors: ground lamb (or beef), a medley of vegetables, and a velvety mashed potato topping, all baked together into one golden, bubbling pie. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home.

If you’ve never made it from scratch, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think. Here’s our tried-and-true recipe for the best homemade shepherd’s pie.

🛒 Ingredients

For the meat filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1½ pounds ground lamb (or ground beef for a “cottage pie” twist) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup beef broth 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried) 1 cup frozen peas Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mashed potato topping:

2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness) Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

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👩‍🍳 Directions

Boil the potatoes: In a large pot of salted water, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season to taste. Set aside. Make the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Brown the meat: Add the ground lamb to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Simmer the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. Let simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Add frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. Assemble the pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface or using a fork to create decorative ridges. Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden. For a crispier finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip:

Add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture for even more depth. Or stir a bit of grated cheddar into the potatoes for a cheesy twist.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers, shepherd’s pie delivers every time. Serve it with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.

Tried this recipe? Snap a photo and tag us on social media @STMDailyNews — we’d love to see your version!

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

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Related Links:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/easy_shepherds_pie/

https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/

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