Easy shepherd’s pie made with tender minced lamb, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich vegetable gravy. This classic comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly batch cooking. Includes a simple homemade filling with carrots, onion, and celery, topped with golden mashed potato. Great for using pantry staples and ideal for feeding a crowd on busy weeknights.

This traditional shepherd’s pie features a rich and flavorful minced lamb filling topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting family favourite that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1.8 kg (4 lbs) floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
120 ml (½ cup) double (heavy) cream
120 g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Filling:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
900 g (2 lbs) minced lamb
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 litre (4½ cups) beef or lamb stock (boiling water + 3–4 stock cubes)
2 heaped tbsp cornflour (cornstarch), mixed with 4 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes
Place the peeled potatoes in a large pan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
Preheat the Oven
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), fan setting.
Cook the Filling
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add Lamb and Seasoning
Add the minced lamb to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, half the salt and pepper, and the stock. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and mash them using a ricer or masher. Mix in the cream, butter, and remaining salt and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
Thicken the Filling
Stir the cornflour slurry into the simmering lamb mixture. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens. Add more slurry if a thicker consistency is desired.
Assemble the Pie
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the lamb mixture (leaving excess gravy in the pan) into a 33×27 cm (13×10.6 inch) baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top and rough up the surface with a fork for crispy edges.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown.
Serve
Reheat the reserved gravy and serve the shepherd’s pie with the hot gravy and your choice of green vegetables.

Tips

For Crispy Topping: Roughing up the mash with a fork helps it crisp beautifully in the oven.
Use a Potato Ricer: This ensures ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
Let It Rest: Rest the pie for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Substitute lamb with beef for a cottage pie or use a plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.
Add Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf can boost the flavour of the filling.
Cheesy Topping: Add grated cheddar on top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.
Hidden Veg: Stir in peas, corn, or chopped spinach for added vegetables.

FAQs

Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a covered dish. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until piping hot.

Can I use leftover roast meat?
Absolutely. Finely chop leftover lamb and mix with the vegetables and gravy.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans, peas, or sautéed cabbage.
Add a spoonful of gravy or onion sauce on the side.
A fresh garden salad can provide a crisp contrast to the rich dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic British comfort food that feeds a crowd
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Hearty, satisfying, and freezer-friendly
Great for leftovers and meal planning
Customisable to fit your pantry and taste