How to Make Shepherd’s Pie: A British Classic Recipe

 

By foodie Parmod.

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Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty British classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners. Made with rich minced lamb and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this traditional dish is both flavourful and satisfying. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make Shepherd’s Pie at home, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps — all written in British English and optimised for Google SEO.

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🥘 What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British casserole made with minced lamb cooked in a savoury gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It originated in the late 18th century as a way to use up leftover meat and has remained a staple in British households ever since.

> 🔁 Note: If you use beef instead of lamb, it’s technically called “Cottage Pie.”

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

500g minced lamb

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tbsp plain flour

250ml beef or lamb stock

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

800g potatoes, peeled and chopped

50g butter

2–3 tbsp milk

Salt to taste

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🍽️ How to Make Shepherd’s Pie (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Mash

Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until soft.

Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

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2. Cook the Lamb Filling

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add the onions and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Stir in the minced lamb and cook until browned all over.

Mix in tomato purée and flour. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

Gradually add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Season with salt and pepper.

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3. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6.

Spoon the lamb mixture into a baking dish and level the top.

Carefully spoon or pipe the mashed potato over the meat, starting from the edges and working inwards.

Use a fork to fluff up the top for a crispy finish.

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4. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

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🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 600

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 35g

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🥄 Serving Suggestions

Shepherd’s Pie is delicious served with:

Garden peas

Steamed green beans

Pickled red cabbage

A rich onion gravy (optional)

Add a dollop of brown sauce on the side if you like an extra kick!

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📝 Tips and Variations

Vegetarian version: Swap the lamb for lentils or meat-free mince and use vegetable stock.

Make ahead: Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze: Once cooled, Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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🔍 

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Learning how to make Shepherd’s Pie is a rewarding way to bring a taste of British tradition to your home kitchen. With tender minced lamb, comforting mash, and a rich gravy base, it’s no surprise this dish remains a national favourite. Try it today — and don’t forget to serve it with your favourite greens or a splash of gravy for that true British touch.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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