Shepherd’s pie

Oh yes 🥧✨ — Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food: savory ground meat filling, rich vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato topping baked to golden perfection. Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe.

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🥔 Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef for “Cottage Pie”)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt & pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

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

2. Make the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Add broth and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in peas at the end.

3. Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture (helps crisp the top).
4. Optional: Sprinkle grated cheddar over the top.

4. Bake

• Bake 25–30 minutes until the top is lightly golden and filling is bubbling.

5. Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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🔥 Tips & Variations

• Extra flavor: Mix 1–2 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream into mashed potatoes for creaminess.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, corn, or green beans to the filling.
• Crispier topping: Place under broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.
• Make-ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.

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If you want, I can give a “rich, ultra-creamy shepherd’s pie with caramelized onions and golden, cheesy mashed potato crust” version that’s basically restaurant-quality 😏.

Do you want me to do that version?