You’re describing a classic Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie, depending on the meat used)!
Here’s a cozy, hearty recipe where flavorful cooked minced meat is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection.
🥘 Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie)
🍽️ Serves: 6
⏱️ Time: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (Cottage Pie) or ground lamb (Shepherd’s Pie)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or diced fresh)
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
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4 tbsp butter
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1/4–1/2 cup milk or cream
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar for topping
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes:
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In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold salted water.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
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Drain, mash with butter and milk until creamy. Season to taste.
2. Make the meat filling:
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While potatoes cook, brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Pour in beef broth and simmer 5–10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
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Stir in peas and carrots and simmer another 2–3 minutes.
3. Assemble:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Spread meat mixture in a baking dish (9×9″ or similar).
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Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
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Use a fork to create texture (helps it crisp up), and sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
4. Bake:
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden on top and bubbling at the edges.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top.
5. Rest & Serve:
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🥄 Tips & Variations:
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Add corn, mushrooms, or celery for extra texture
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Use sweet potatoes for a healthier or sweeter twist
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Make it in individual ramekins for single servings
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Great for freezing — assemble and freeze before baking!
Want a vegetarian, low-carb, or dairy-free version? I’ve got you covered!
