Description
This classic British Shepherd’s Pie features a hearty mixture of ground lamb, vegetables, and rich seasonings topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, this recipe combines savory meat filling with a smooth, buttery potato crust for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and warm)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to start building flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Brown the lamb: Add the ground lamb to the pan, cooking until fully browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to prevent clumps.
- Season and simmer: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10–12 minutes, letting it thicken into a hearty filling.
- Incorporate peas: Stir the frozen peas into the meat mixture and combine well.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat filling into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Spoon warm mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them with a spatula to cover completely.
- Add finishing touches: Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly, if using.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred.
- Add corn or green beans for extra vegetables and texture.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to reduce preparation time.
