Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie

Shepherd’s Pie / Cottage Pie (Classic Comfort Dish)

A hearty baked dish with savory meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes on top.
The difference:

• Shepherd’s Pie → made with lamb
• Cottage Pie → made with beef (more common)

Below is a classic recipe that works with either.

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Ingredients

Meat Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp oil or butter

Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water 15–20 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Set aside.

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2. Cook the Filling

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook onion 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Stir in:
   • tomato paste
   • flour
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • thyme
6. Pour in beef broth and simmer 5 minutes until thick.
7. Stir in peas and carrots.

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3. Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread meat mixture in a baking dish.
3. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
4. Use a fork to make texture (helps browning).
5. Sprinkle cheese if using.

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4. Bake

Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

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✅ Tip for extra flavor:
Brush the potato top with a little melted butter before baking.

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Easy Shortcuts

• Use instant mashed potatoes
• Use frozen mixed vegetables
• Add gravy instead of broth for richer flavor

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If you’d like, I can also show you:

• Gordon Ramsay’s famous Shepherd’s Pie recipe 🍽️
• A 30-minute weeknight version
• The Irish pub style version that tastes restaurant-quality.