Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – The main ingredients in shepherd’s pie are seasoned meat, mixed vegetables, and a creamy layer of mashed potato. Usually, the meat is ground lamb or beef that’s mixed with onions, garlic, carrots, and peas and simmered in gravy. First, put the mixture into a baking dish and then add a generous layer of mashed potatoes.

Some careful smoothing or forking gives the baked potato a nicely textured top before it is cooked to be golden and bubbling. Being both thick and simple to make, it’s a good meal for bringing the family together. Shepherd’s pie tastes good and is great for clearing the fridge of odds and ends!
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British dinner with a layer of rich ground beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes over it. Many people understand Shepherd’s Pie Recipe as a dish with lamb, since “shepherd” was simply a name for the person herding the lamb, which is why you may hear about similar dishes using beef called cottage pie. As years have passed, it has become harder to tell them apart, and people appreciate both versions.
This meal is made all in one pan, and it feels very comforting, making it perfect for both family and cozy nights. You can make this dish quickly, on a budget, and add the vegetables, cheese,s and seasonings you want. Because it’s simple and has many layers, it works perfectly for both daily meals and celebrations.

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or sauté pan
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Potato masher or electric mixer
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 IB ground lamb
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- ½ tbsp beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- First, you should make the mashed potatoes:After peeling and cutting your potatoes, put them in a pot of salted water.Soak the sweet potatoes in boiling water for 15 minutes until they are tender to the fork.Drain the potatoes and mix them with butter and milk.Add salt and mix the mixture until it becomes smooth. Set aside.
- Fry the Meat as the Filling:Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.Include onion and garlic in your cooking process. Keep sautéing until the vegetables have softened and add flavor.Add the carrots and cook over heat for 4-5 minutes.Toss in the ground meat (whether it’s lamb or beef). Cook until the meat is golden brown, while mashing the pieces as they cook and release their juices.Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and rosemary to the rest of the ingredients.Pour the beef broth into the pot and continue stirring.Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes, until it is a bit thicker.After that, add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.Add a little salt and pepper to your vegetables.
- Prepare the Shepherd’s Pie:Preheat the oven at 375°F (190°C).Arrange the meat mixture in an even layer along the bottom of a baking dish.Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetables on top of the pie.If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the biscuits.
- Bake:Cook the nachos in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden.Enjoy a 10-minute rest after cooking before serving the food.
Notes
Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 20 g |
Saturated Fat | 9 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 6 g |
Sodium | 580 mg |
Cholesterol | 70 mg |
Flavour Profile of Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
1. Savory and Substantial:
- The ground sheep or hamburger gives the pie a profound, rich flavor.
2. Rich and Smooth:
- The pounded potatoes are delicate and buttery, with a rich surface.
3. Gently Sweet:
- Carrots and onions deliver a small common sweetness to adjust the meat.
4. Herby and Gritty:
- Herbs like thyme and rosemary include warm, natural flavors.
5. Comforting and Filling:
- Each chomp feels cozy and satisfying, like custom-made consolation nourishment.
FAQs
Q. Can you create Shepherd’s Pie before you plan to serve it?
A. Yes. Cook all the ingredients, put them together, and chill them, covered, for up to 24 hours if you like. Cook in the oven just before mealtime.
Q. Is it possible to freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
A. Absolutely. You can freeze your bread before or after baking. Refrigerate your dinner until the next day, and then cook in the oven.
Q. Are different vegetables allowed?
A. Yes. You can cook corn, green beans, or spinach, depending on what you like or have readily at hand.
Q. Is there a different meat I could use besides lamb or beef?
A. If you desire, ground turkey, chicken, or meatless plant-based crumbles can be used instead.
Q. What is the best way to put away my extra food?
A. Your kebabs should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Refrigerated food can be reheated in either an oven or a microwave.

Hi, I’m Lauren Kossack — the recipe creator, food lover, and storyteller behind Perfect Meal Recipes! I’m based in the charming town of Zionsville, Indiana, where I share my passion for cooking simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals.
What started as a love for home-cooked comfort food has grown into a space where I create and collect the kinds of recipes that bring people together — whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet weekend treat.