Shepherd’s pie, a classic comfort dish with British and Irish roots, is a hearty and satisfying meal. It typically consists of a savory ground meat filling, often lamb (hence the name “shepherd’s”), covered with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Here’s how to make a traditional Shepherd’s Pie:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb (substitute with ground beef for a Cottage Pie)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- 9×13 inch baking dish