Skip to main content

Shepherd's Pie

This classic Shepherd's pie is the ultimate high-protein comfort food, perfect for warming up a chilly evening. The recipe features a rich, savoury base of minced lamb simmered with carrots, peas and fresh herbs, all topped with a generous layer of smooth, buttery mashed potato. Using fresh rosemary and parsley adds a wonderful depth of flavour that perfectly complements the succulent lamb, making it a firm favourite for traditional British home cooking.

Ideal for a nutritious mid-week family meal, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. The crosshatched potato topping creates delicious crispy peaks in the oven, providing a lovely textural contrast to the tender meat filling. Serve this wholesome pie with a side of steamed seasonal greens or braised red cabbage for a balanced, heart-healthy dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Shepherd's Pie

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

  • 450g lamb mince (or substitute half with another mince)

  • 240ml beef or chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 900g russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 120ml milk (any fat content)

  • Kosher salt to taste

How to make Shepherd's Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 191°C.

  2. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil, then add the onion, carrot, and meat. Cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Drain the fat and add the broth, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer until the juices thicken, about 10 minutes, then add the peas.

  4. Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish; set aside.

  5. Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes; drain.

  6. Mash the potatoes with the butter, milk, and salt.

  7. Spread them over the meat mixture, then crosshatch the top with a fork.

  8. Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.