Hi, I am Eugenie. Today I am making shepherd’s pie with ground beef and mashed potatoes. It was a dish for people living in a cottage. So shepherd’s pie should be easy and delicious, not complicated.

* Shepherd’s pie or Cottage pie? Many reference books say that the terms are interchangeable  But if you want clarification, lamb for Shepherd’s pie; beef or mutton for Cottage pie.

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Beef Cottage Pie

For 2 litres

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable or beef stock (480ml)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf, optional

• 1.5 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed (675g)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick; 60g)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• Extra melted butter for brushing

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

For the mince

First, in a pan, add oil. And heat over medium high heat.

Add onion and carrot. Cook until softened. It takes about 5 minutes.

Add beef. Cook until brown. Stir to break up any lumps.

Add flour. Stirring constantly, cook for 2 minutes.

Add vegetable stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. And bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.

The Mash

Meanwhile,

In a pan with water, add salt. And bring to a boil.

Then add potatoes. Cook for 15 minutes or until tender.

Now drain and transfer to the same pan.

Then add butter, and milk. And mash with a fork or a potato masher. Continue until smooth.

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Also season the mince to taste.

Bake

Spoon the beef mixture and spread into a baking dish.

Then, top with the mashed potatoes. And ruffle with a fork. Then brush with melted butter.

Bake at 400 degrees F (200C) for about 25 min, until the top is golden brown.

Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.