Here’s a classic, hearty Shepherd’s Pie recipe — savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection.

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🥧 Shepherd’s Pie

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk (or cream for richer topping)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for golden topping)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender.

2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

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2️⃣ Make the Filling

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

3. Add ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking up lumps.

4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Add mixed vegetables and broth; simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread meat and vegetable filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture for browning.

4. Optional: sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

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4️⃣ Bake

• Bake 20–25 minutes until topping is lightly golden and edges bubble.

• Optional: broil 1–2 minutes at the end for extra color.

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5️⃣ Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

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✨ Tips & Variations

• Classic: Use lamb and peas/carrots.

• Shortcut: Use leftover mashed potatoes for topping.

• Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake next day.

• Creamier topping: Mix in a little cream cheese or sour cream.

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If you like, I can also give you:

• 🥄 Slow-cooker Shepherd’s Pie

• 🧄 Garlic mashed potato-topped version

• 🥕 Extra-vegetable loaded Shepherd’s Pie

• ⚡ 30-minute quick weeknight version