Shepherd’s Pie (Full Recipe)

🥔 1. Creamy Mashed Potato Topping

Ingredients:

• 3–4 large potatoes (peeled & chopped)
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk (warm)
• Salt & black pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until soft.
2. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. Add butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until creamy (not too runny). Set aside.

🍖 2. Meat Filling

Ingredients:

• 500g ground lamb (or beef if preferred)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (diced small)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• Salt & black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion and carrots for 5–6 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour, mix well.
6. Add stock gradually, stirring to avoid lumps.
7. Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened.
9. Stir in peas and remove from heat.

🥧 3. Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread meat filling evenly in a baking dish.
3. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
4. Use a fork to create texture on top (helps browning).

🔥 4. Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is golden.
• Optional: Broil/grill for 3–5 minutes for a crispy top.

🍽️ Serving

• Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot as a full meal.

⏱️ Time & Serving

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 4–5 people