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Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping is a classic comfort food dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal. Traditionally made with lamb (hence the name “shepherd’s”), it can also be made with beef for a similar dish called Cottage Pie. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious Shepherd’s Pie with a creamy mashed potato topping:

Ingredients
- - For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- - For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk (optional for extra richness)

Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
1
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2
Mash the potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the egg yolk if using. Set aside.
Make the Filling:
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3
Add the ground lamb (or beef), breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas.
5
Transfer the filling to a baking dish.
Assemble and Bake:
1
Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling in the baking dish. Use a fork to create ridges on the top, which will become crispy when baked.
2
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
3
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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