Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Few dishes deliver comfort quite like Classic Shepherd’s Pie. With its savory, rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden, this dish is the definition of cozy. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or anytime you crave an old-fashioned, comforting meal.

Shepherd’s Pie is a historic British dish traditionally made with ground lamb — hence the name “shepherd,” because shepherds tend sheep. In the United States, many versions use ground beef; technically, that version is called Cottage Pie, but both have become widely embraced under the same cozy umbrella. This recipe honors the richer, classic lamb version but easily works with beef if that’s your preference.

What makes this Shepherd’s Pie truly stand out is the layering of flavors:

• The meat cooks with garlic, onions, and carrots for a deeply savory base.
• Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add richness and umami.
• Beef or chicken broth reduces to create a hearty gravy-like filling.
• Butter-whipped mashed potatoes spread over the top add a creamy, fluffy finish.
• Baking everything together gives you crispy golden peaks and bubbling edges.

It’s rustic, comforting, and layered with flavor. One bite hits you with warm nostalgia, even if this is your first time making it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Classic comfort food

Rich meat filling + buttery mashed potatoes = perfection.

✔ One-pan friendly

The filling cooks in a single skillet before baking.

✔ Easy to customize

Use lamb for traditional flavor or beef for an American household favorite.

✔ Make-ahead friendly

Assembles easily and reheats beautifully.

✔ Incredible leftovers

Flavors deepen overnight — you may love it even more the next day.

Ingredients

For the Potato Topping

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for richer potatoes)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

For the Meat Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Make the mashed potatoes

Boil potatoes 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.

3. Add vegetables

Stir in onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.

4. Add seasonings

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

5. Add broth + peas

Add broth and peas. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a sprinkle of flour if needed.

6. Assemble the pie

Spread the meat filling in a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and smooth or create peaks.

7. Bake

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are golden and edges bubble.

8. Serve

Let cool slightly and enjoy warm.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A traditional, comforting Shepherd’s Pie featuring savory meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: British, Comfort Food

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Potato Topping

• 2 lbs potatoes peeled & cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper

For the Meat Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup broth beef or chicken
• 1 tbsp flour optional, for thickening

Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot for boiling potatoes
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Boil potatoes until tender; mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown meat in a skillet and add onions, carrots, and garlic.
3. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add broth and peas; simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Press meat mixture into a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Notes

For a cheesy crust, sprinkle cheddar on top before baking.

Flavor Profile Highlights

Lamb or Beef

Rich, savory, and the heart of the dish.

Vegetables

Carrots, onions, peas — classic comfort trio.

Tomato Paste + Worcestershire

Deep umami that elevates the filling.

Herbs

Thyme and rosemary lend warming, classic flavors.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery topping that completes the dish perfectly.

Variations

Cottage Pie Version

Use ground beef instead of lamb.

Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top.

Veggie-Loaded

Add mushrooms, corn, zucchini, or celery.

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Use mashed sweet potatoes for a healthier, sweeter twist.

Gravy-Rich Version

Add more broth and a little extra flour for a deeper gravy base.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with:

• Green salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Hot rolls
• Steamed green beans

It’s a complete meal on its own but shines even more with bright, fresh sides.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead

Assemble fully and refrigerate 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to bake time.

Refrigerator

Lasts 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze up to 3 months (assembled but unbaked works best).

Reheating

Bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.