Name: Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground lamb or beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups mashed potatoes; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Hey y'all! Craving a cozy, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out? This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty is the ultimate comfort food—packed with rich, savory beef, tender veggies, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Full of rich, meaty flavor and creamy, buttery potatoes.
Easy to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights.

Uses everyday pantry ingredients for simple prep.
Satisfies the whole family, picky eaters included!
Customizable with various proteins and veggies.

Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 cup frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Directions for Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Prep the Mashed Potatoes

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a big pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain well, return to the pot, and mash with milk and butter until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Hearty Meat Filling

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or lamb) until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until veggies soften.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.

Assemble & Bake Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Spoon the meat and veggie mixture into a 9-inch baking dish.

Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Use a fork to create decorative ridges or swirls.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, if using.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top and bubbling at the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

For extra creaminess, use Yukon Gold potatoes. Read more about potato varieties here.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter pie.
Let the pie rest before serving for neater slices.

Variations on Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Vegetarian: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for the meat.
Sweet Potato Top: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of russet for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth and Worcestershire are gluten-free.

Required Equipment for Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Large saucepan
Large skillet
Potato masher

9-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon

Storage Instructions & Shelf Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until piping hot.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans.
Freshly baked bread or dinner rolls make a great side.

Pair with a bold red wine or classic English ale for a cozy vibe.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Don't overwork the mashed potatoes—just mash until smooth for fluffiness (see expert tips).
Brush the top with melted butter before baking for a gorgeous golden crust.

Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes so the layers set up nicely.

FAQ: Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Bake just before serving.
What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?: Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef—but both are delicious and hearty!
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?: Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Hearty & Meaty