Technically, “Shepherd’s Pie” uses lamb and “Cottage Pie” uses beef, but in the US, we call it all Shepherd’s Pie! This is the ultimate comfort food: a rich meat gravy base topped with a pillow of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Meat Base: 1 lb Ground Beef (or Lamb), 1 onion, 2 carrots (diced), 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
- Potato Top: 2 lbs Potatoes (peeled/boiled), 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
- The Mash: Boil potatoes until soft. Mash with butter, milk, and cheese. Set aside.
- The Filling: Sauté beef, onion, and carrots until browned. Add tomato paste and flour (to thicken). Stir in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thick. Stir in peas.
- Assemble: Pour meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top. Use a fork to make rough peaks (these get crispy!).
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
