Shepherd’s pie and stir fry

Here are simple, reliable versions of both—nothing fussy, easy weeknight energy.

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Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Cozy & Hearty)

Ingredients

Meat filling

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef if you prefer cottage pie)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas & carrots

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef or lamb broth

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

Mashed potato topping

• 2 lb potatoes, peeled & chopped

• 4 tbsp butter

• ¼–½ cup milk or cream

• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.

2. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.

4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, and pepper.

5. Sprinkle in flour, stir, then add broth. Simmer until thick.

6. Stir in peas and carrots.

7. Spread meat mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.

8. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden.

9. Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for crispy peaks.

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Easy Stir Fry (Fast & Flexible)

Ingredients

• 1 lb protein: chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork

• 3–4 cups mixed vegetables

  • bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, onion

• 2 tbsp oil (neutral or sesame)

Simple Stir Fry Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

• Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch (for thicker sauce)

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Instructions

1. Prep everything first—stir fry moves fast.

2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.

3. Cook protein until just done. Remove and set aside.

4. Add a bit more oil if needed; stir fry vegetables until crisp-tender.

5. Return protein to pan.

6. Pour in sauce; toss constantly until glossy and slightly thickened (1–2 minutes).

7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

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Little Upgrades (Optional but Nice)

• Shepherd’s pie: add a splash of red wine to the meat

• Stir fry: finish with sesame oil or chili crisp 🌶️

• Both: taste at the end—salt fixes almost everything