A delicious lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until the top is golden, comfort food doesn't get better than this classic English dish.
Comfort food at its most Britsh and Best
I don't know about you, but on colder days I yearn for a bit of comfort food. Just good, tasty home cooking is what I need now.
Shepherd's pie is a firm family favourite when it comes to comfort food. I most often make mine with minced lamb or even beef (which technically makes it a Cottage pie).
Mince or Leftover Lamb ?
When growing up Shepherds Pie was quite often made on a Monday using leftover lamb from the Sunday roast.
But I always made mine with mince. Mainly because when both my boys were living at home leftover meat did not exist. Then one time after making a roast for family over from Canada I found I finely had some left over which I used to make a Shepherd's pie.
It was spectacularly good, and I shall be using it as an excuse to cook a larger joint of meat (I had cooked a whole shoulder in this case) next time I do a roast, just so I can make it again.
It goes without saying that it is perfectly fabulous winter fare no matter whether you make it with leftover meat or with minced meat. If you want to give it a try with leftover lamb simply use the same amount of left over lamb as mince in the recipe below. Cut into bite size pieces and add to the softened onions and continue with the recipe.
If you're feeling posh you can pipe the mash on top of the meat. Although that was how I was taught at college, I find it just that bit more extra work. Mr. B likes grated cheese sprinkled on top because that is how his mum made it, but that's optional too. I never had it that way, so the choice is yours.
Leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool quickly and cover before chilling. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil to prevent it drying out until piping hot.
You can also reheat this in the microwave if you prefer.
Can you Freeze Shepherds Pie?
Freeze after topping with the potato (allow to cool completely first) for up to 3 months. Defrost completely before baking in the oven.
Increase the cooking time by 10 –15 minutes. Cooked meat should only be reheated once so do not freeze if using leftover meat.
Step By Step Shepherds Pie
Shepherds pie
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon rapeseed oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 500 g lean minced lamb (1lb2oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 300 ml vegetable stock (½ pt/1¼ cups)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 900 g potatoes for the mash (2lb)
- 4 tablespoon milk
- 25 g butter (1oz/2tbsp)
- 50 g cheddar cheese ,grated optional (2oz)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion and garlic until softened. Add the mince and break it up with the side of a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned
- Stir in the dried herbs and flour. Gradually add the stock and Worcestershire sauce and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer whilst preparing the potato topping.
- Heat the oven to 190℃/180℃ fan/gas mark 5. Peel the potatoes and cut into even sized pieces. Place in a pan with enough water to just cover. Bring to the boil, add a pinch of salt and cook for about 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain well and return to the pan. Add the milk and butter, season to taste and mash well.
- Season the meat to taste and spoon off any excess fat. Pour into a shallow ovenproof baking dish. Carefully spread the mashed potato on top of the mince, fluffing the top with a fork. Sprinkle the cheese over the top if using.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the potato is crisp and golden.
Notes
Nutrition
What is your favourite comfort food? Do let me know, it's always interesting to hear which foods make people happy.
Marita says
Thank you for this recipe. I gave it to my husband who does not cook very often and he found the instructions very easy to follows. No leftovers as my kids demolished this dish!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
No leftovers that says it all! I'm glad your husband found the instructions easy to follow that is always my ultimate aim. Great recipes made easy for everyone.
Sabrina Sommer says
It’s a very nice and easy dish.
Tastes better when you are doing it, as it is less work but think my first one, is not too bad as well...
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I think food often tastes better when someone else cooks it especially if you don't have to do the washing up either lol! Glad you enjoyed it and found it easy to do. j x