Shepherd's Pie
Traditional shepherd's pie is a savoury minced-lamb filling under a browned mashed-potato crust; the lamb distinguishes it from beef-based cottage pie.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, drain well, then mash with the butter and warm milk. Season and set aside.
- 2
Brown the lamb in a wide pan, breaking it into small pieces. Spoon away excess fat if necessary.
- 3
Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook until softened. Stir in the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
- 4
Pour in the lamb stock and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until rich rather than watery. Stir in the peas and season.
- 5
Transfer the filling to a baking dish, spread the mash to the edges and roughen the surface with a fork.
- 6
Bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and browned; rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Let the filling reduce before adding the mash.
Rough peaks on the potato catch and brown in the oven.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat until the centre is piping hot.
Substitutions
- Use leftover finely chopped roast lamb in place of mince.
- Replace milk with a little potato cooking water if needed.
What to Serve With
- Buttered cabbage
- Green beans
- Pickled red cabbage
Common Mistakes
- A loose filling makes the potato sink.
- Using beef changes the dish to cottage pie.
Recipe FAQ
What makes this Shepherd's Pie traditional?
Shepherd's pie uses lamb; a similar pie made with beef is properly called cottage pie.
Can I prepare Shepherd's Pie ahead?
Assemble it a day ahead, chill, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Kitchen tools
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Baking sheet
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Blender
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Saucepan
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
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