A savory pie of ground lamb (Shepherd's) or beef (Cottage) cooked with vegetables in gravy, topped with a mashed potato crust.

Shepherd's Pie / Cottage Pie

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

For the Filling: * 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil * 1 large onion, finely chopped * 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped * 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (optional) * 1.5 lbs ground lamb (for Shepherd's Pie) or ground beef (for Cottage Pie) * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 tablespoon tomato paste * 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh) * 1 cup beef or lamb broth * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 cup frozen peas * Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste For the Topping: * 2 lbs potatoes (Russets or Yukon Gold), peeled and quartered * 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter * 1/4 cup milk or cream, warmed * Salt and white pepper to taste * Optional: 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Make Topping: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well. Mash with butter, warm milk/cream, salt, and white pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Make Filling: Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
4. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
5. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Stir in the frozen peas. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the filling to a casserole dish (approx. 9x13 inches).
8. Spoon the mashed potato topping evenly over the meat filling. Rough up the surface with a fork (this helps it brown nicely).
9. Optional: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
10. Place on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

What makes it special?*

Whether made with lamb (Shepherd's) or beef (Cottage), this savory meat pie topped with a crust of creamy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, popular in Ireland, the UK, and beyond. It's a complete, satisfying meal-in-one, combining a rich, savory meat and vegetable base with a fluffy, often cheesy, potato topping. A perfect dish for using leftovers and warming up on a cold day.