Shepherd’s pie is a British comfort-food classic built around minced lamb under a generous layer of mashed potato. The lamb distinguishes it from cottage pie, which is traditionally made with beef.
This version builds a thyme-scented gravy with vegetables and Worcestershire sauce, then bakes the pie until the potato ridges are deeply golden.
Let the lamb filling simmer until thick rather than soupy so the potato topping stays in a defined layer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with buttered peas, steamed greens, or a sharp dressed salad to balance the rich filling.
Recipe Notes
The assembled pie can be refrigerated for one day before baking. Reheat leftovers covered, then uncover briefly to restore the crisp top.
British Shepherd’s Pie
A traditional lamb and vegetable pie with rich gravy and a golden mashed potato topping.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large saucepan
- Potato masher
- 2-quart baking dish
Ingredients
Lamb Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 2 medium carrots small dice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef or lamb stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas
- fine salt and black pepper to taste
Potato Topping
- 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and quartered
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk warmed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb, breaking it into small pieces, and drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the onion and carrots and cook for 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper for 1 minute.
- Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until thick, then fold in the peas and transfer to the baking dish.
Make the Topping:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until very tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain well and let steam dry for 2 minutes.
- Mash with butter, warm milk, egg yolk, and salt until smooth but not gummy.
Assemble and Bake:
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spoon the potato evenly over the lamb filling and rough the surface with a fork.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lamb for a true shepherd’s pie; beef makes cottage pie.
- A dry, fluffy potato such as Yukon Gold or russet gives the most stable topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 28gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7g