Mary Berry’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is one of the great comforts of British cooking. With tender minced lamb in a rich, savoury gravy, topped generously with creamy mashed potatoes, it is a dish that brings warmth to the table every time.

This version stays true to tradition — simple ingredients, carefully layered flavours, and a beautifully golden potato topping. It is perfect for a family supper and just as good made ahead.

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What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British dish made with minced lamb cooked with onions and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

Unlike cottage pie, which is made with beef, shepherd’s pie must always use lamb.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A true British classic
• Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying
• Simple ingredients and straightforward method
• Perfect for preparing ahead
• Freezer-friendly

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Ingredients

For the Filling

• 500g minced lamb
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 100g frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 300ml lamb or beef stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 1kg floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
• 50g butter
• 75ml milk
• 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional)

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Method

1. Prepare the Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, cook the onion and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.

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2. Make the Gravy

Return the lamb to the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Add the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, stock, and peas. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, until thickened. Season well.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling.

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3. Prepare the Mash

Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with the butter and milk until smooth. Season to taste.

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4. Assemble

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F.

Spoon the lamb mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread evenly. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a fork to create ridges for crisping. Sprinkle with grated cheese if using.

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5. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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What to Serve With Shepherd’s Pie

• Steamed green beans
• Buttered peas
• Roasted root vegetables
• Pickled red cabbage
• A simple green salad

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Mary Berry’s Tips for Success

• Brown the lamb well for maximum flavour
• Simmer the filling gently to develop richness
• Let the filling cool slightly before adding the mash to prevent sinking
• Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes for a crisp finish
• Taste and adjust seasoning before assembling

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Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fibre: 5g

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FAQ

What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef. The topping for both is mashed potatoes.

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can shepherd’s pie be frozen?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why is my shepherd’s pie watery?

This usually happens if the filling hasn’t been simmered long enough to thicken or if the potatoes weren’t drained thoroughly before mashing.

How do I get a crispy mashed potato topping?

Rough up the mash with a fork to create peaks and bake until golden. You can also sprinkle cheddar cheese on top for extra crispness.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, leeks, or parsnips work well in the filling.

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Other Recipes You May Like:

• Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
• Mary Berry Chicken And Bacon Pie
• Mary Berry Chicken Leek Pie

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