Easy shepherd's pie

Easy Shepherd's Pie is a comforting dish featuring a savory lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners. This recipe guides you through sautéing vegetables, browning lamb, and achieving a classic golden topping.

05 Feb 2026
Cook time 75 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
1 tsp rosemary
1 lb lamb mince
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 cups beef broth
4 potatoes
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
1/4 cup butter

Easy Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and classic dish that's perfect for any occasion. This hearty meal combines a savory lamb filling with a creamy mashed potato topping, creating a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish with ease.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Peel and chop the potatoes, then set them aside for boiling.

2. Cook the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the finely chopped rosemary and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Brown the Lamb:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lamb mince to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break up any large chunks of meat with a spoon.

4. Thicken the Filling:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked lamb mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the filling is simmering, place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over the top of the lamb mixture, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the mashed potatoes, if desired.

7. Bake the Shepherd's Pie:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

8. Serve:
- Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Easy Shepherd's Pie warm!

In conclusion, this Easy Shepherd's Pie recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make. With a combination of finely chopped vegetables, flavorful lamb, and creamy mashed potatoes, it brings together the best of comfort food. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors with your family or friends. Bon appétit!

Easy shepherd's pie FAQ:

What is the baking time for shepherd's pie?

Bake the shepherd's pie in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

How can I tell if the shepherd's pie is done?

The shepherd's pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling along the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Can I substitute lamb mince with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute lamb mince with ground beef or turkey if preferred. Adjust cooking times if necessary, particularly for different fat contents.

How should I store leftover shepherd's pie?

Store leftover shepherd's pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for 2-3 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.

What size baking dish is best for shepherd's pie?

A baking dish that holds about 2 to 3 quarts is ideal for shepherd's pie, allowing enough space for the filling and topping.

Tips:

- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lamb mince.

- If you prefer a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the beef broth slightly.

- For a creamier potato topping, you can add more milk or even a splash of heavy cream when mashing the potatoes.

- To save time, you can use pre-chopped frozen vegetables.

- Adding a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before baking can add an extra layer of flavor.

- Let the pie rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to make it easier to serve.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 660kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 7g
Fat 44g

Easy shepherd's pie