Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe UK – Classic British Comfort Food

Introduction: What is a Traditional Shepherd’s Pie?

A Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved British dish made with minced lamb, simmered in a savoury gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food – hearty, warming, and budget-friendly.

Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a Sunday classic, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe UK-style will become a family favourite. (And if you use beef instead of lamb? That’s called Cottage Pie!)

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🛒 Ingredients for Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a proper Shepherd’s Pie from scratch using ingredients easily found in UK supermarkets.

For the lamb filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g British minced lamb
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 250ml lamb or beef stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: splash of red wine or handful of frozen peas

For the mashed potato topping:

• 900g floury potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward), peeled and chopped
• 50g butter
• 50ml milk or cream
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: 50g grated mature Cheddar for topping

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Traditional Shepherd’s Pie – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the lamb filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 7–8 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add minced lamb and brown well.
5. Mix in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and flour. Stir for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the stock (and wine, if using). Simmer for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
7. Season and add peas if using.

Step 2: Make the mashed potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and fluffy.
3. Season to taste.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.
2. Spoon the lamb mixture into a baking dish.
3. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Rough up the surface with a fork.
4. Sprinkle with cheese (optional).
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this traditional Shepherd’s Pie with:

• Steamed greens or cabbage
• Garden peas
• A splash of gravy or brown sauce on the side
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

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💡 Tips & Variations

• ✅ Make Ahead: Assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• 🧊 Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 180°C for 45–50 minutes.
• 🥕 Vegetarian Twist: Swap lamb for lentils, mushrooms, or Quorn mince.