Description
This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory mix of ground lamb, vegetables, and herbs, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to a golden perfection. A comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the flavor.
- Cook carrots: Add the diced carrots and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Brown lamb: Introduce the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Add flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to season the mixture.
- Coat with flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to create a coating.
- Add broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer mixture: Allow the filling to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly to a stew-like consistency.
- Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to baking dish: Move the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add mashed potato topping: Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Smooth potato surface: Use the back of a spoon or spatula to create a smooth, even surface over the potatoes.
- Score potatoes: Lightly score the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork to create decorative lines and help crisping.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Notes
- Using ground lamb gives this dish an authentic and rich flavor, but ground beef can be substituted for a milder taste.
- For extra crispiness on top, you can sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
- Leftover Shepherd’s Pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adjust the thickness of the filling by adding more or less beef broth depending on your preference.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary can be used instead of dried herbs, just use about double the quantity.
