Shepherd’s Pie

Description:
A hearty British classic made with seasoned minced meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden. Rich in calories and comforting, it’s an excellent choice for healthy weight gain.

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🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2

🔥 Calories per serving: ~620 kcal

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 250g (9 oz) ground lamb or beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 large potatoes (about 400g), peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream (warm)
• Salt, to taste

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🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk or cream until smooth.
4. Season with salt and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

1. In a skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft (2–3 minutes).
3. Add garlic, carrot, and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the ground lamb or beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned.
5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
7. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble and Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread the meat mixture into the bottom of a baking dish (20cm or 8-inch square).
3. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create ridges.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden. For extra crisp, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

4. Serve:

• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy warm!

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💡 Tips:

• Add grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for extra calories and flavor.
• You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a variation, though traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb.
• Make in advance and refrigerate overnight for even richer flavor the next day.