Shepherds Cottage Pie

The savory flavors of seasoned ground lamb or beef, mixed vegetables, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes come together in the warm and filling meal known as shepherd’s cottage pie. Your demands for a hearty, savory supper will be satiated by this Americanized take on the traditional British dish.

Tasting Notes

The combination of tender meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a comforting warmth that makes this Shepherd’s Cottage Pie a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1.5 pounds ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Potato masher or ricer
• Baking dish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground lamb or beef.
   • Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
   • Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in beef broth and simmer until the mixture thickens.
   • Add frozen peas, cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes until fork-tender.
   • Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Cottage Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Transfer the meat filling to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
   • Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, spreading them to cover the entire surface.
   • Use a fork to create decorative patterns on the mashed potatoes.
4. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding a layer of grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Experiment with different herbs in the meat filling for a personalized touch.

Variations

• Try using sweet potatoes or a combination of regular and sweet potatoes for the mashed topping.
• Substitute ground lamb or beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.

FAQs