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Traditional British Shepherd’s Pie (Classic Comfort Food Recipe)

Traditional British Shepherd’s Pie made with minced lamb, vegetables, and rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A hearty and comforting classic.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g minced lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 200ml lamb or beef stock
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or dried)
  • 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 100ml milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
  2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain.
  3. Mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Heat oil in a pan and cook the onion and carrots until softened.
  5. Add minced lamb and cook until browned.
  6. Stir in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
  7. Pour in the stock and simmer until thickened.
  8. Transfer the filling to a baking dish.
  9. Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
  10. Rough the surface with a fork and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Notes

  • Use lamb for an authentic Shepherd’s Pie.
  • Let the filling cool slightly before topping with mash.
  • For extra flavour, add a splash of red wine to the filling.
  • Roughing the mash helps create a crispy top.
  • Great for freezing and reheating later.
  • Author: Sarah Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, traditional British recipe, lamb pie, comfort food UK, homemade shepherd’s pie