Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

For the filling:

1 lb. (450g) ground lamb (you can also use beef)

1 onion, diced.
2 carrots, diced.
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping:

2.2 lbs. (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks.

1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Start by preparing the filling. In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground lamb (or
beef) over medium heat until cooked through. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until
the vegetables have softened.
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, and dried thyme. Season with
salt and pepper according to your taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for
10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the filling has thickened slightly.
While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potato topping. Place the peeled and
chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender,
approximately 15-20 minutes.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash the
potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the filling to a deep oven-safe dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the
top, using a fork to create texture. If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the
mashed potato layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed
potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Shepherd's Pie hot as a comforting main course. It pairs well with a side of
steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your homemade Shepherd's Pie, a classic dish from the UK!