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A hearty, homemade Shepherd's Pie with a crispy, golden potato topping, served hot in a rustic baking dish.

The Ultimate Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
This recipe features a rich, slow-simmered beef and vegetable filling in a savory gravy, topped with a decadent and creamy mashed potato crust baked to golden-brown perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food, a satisfying and high-protein meal perfect for any family dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine British, Irish
Servings 6
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Potato masher
  • Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar 3-quart casserole dish)

Ingredients
  

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Instructions
 

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Notes

This recipe uses ground beef, which technically makes it a 'Cottage Pie'. For a traditional 'Shepherd's Pie', simply substitute the ground beef with ground lamb. For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of dry red wine after browning the beef. To avoid a watery filling, ensure you simmer the sauce long enough for it to reduce and thicken properly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.