Save A comforting British classic featuring savory ground lamb and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
This shepherds pie has been a family favorite for years, especially on chilly evenings when we crave something warm and hearty.
Ingredients
- For the Filling: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 2 garlic cloves minced, 900 g (2 lbs) ground lamb, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), 180 ml (3/4 cup) beef or lamb broth, 120 g (1 cup) frozen peas, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Cheesy Potato Topping: 1.4 kg (3 lbs) potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk, 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, 120 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 200℃ (400℉).
- Boil potatoes:
- Cook potatoes in salted water until fork-tender about 15 to 20 minutes and drain well.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat Add onion carrots and celery sauté 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and lamb:
- Cook garlic 1 minute Add ground lamb breaking it up with a spoon Cook until browned about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add flavorings:
- Stir in tomato paste Worcestershire sauce thyme and rosemary Cook 2 minutes.
- Simmer mixture:
- Pour in broth bring to simmer and cook 10 minutes until mixture thickens slightly Stir in peas Season with salt and pepper Remove from heat.
- Mash potatoes:
- Mash drained potatoes with butter and milk until smooth Stir in half the cheddar cheese Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble dish:
- Spread lamb filling in 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish Top evenly with mashed potatoes Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is bubbling Broil for 2 to 3 minutes for extra browning if desired.
- Rest:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Making this shepherds pie together has become a beloved family tradition that brings everyone to the kitchen for a fun evening.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Potato masher Baking dish (2-liter/2-quart) Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese butter milk) Gluten (Worcestershire sauce may contain barley check labels) May contain Soy (in Worcestershire sauce) Double-check all prepared ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 520 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 30 g per serving
Save This shepherds pie is perfect for a cozy family meal any time of the year enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures.
Common recipe questions
- → What cut of meat is best for this dish?
Ground lamb is traditional for authentic flavor, but ground beef can be used as a substitute.
- → How do you achieve a crispy topping?
Baking until golden and then briefly broiling the mashed potato topping helps create a golden, slightly crisp finish.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the lamb and vegetable filling can be cooked in advance and refrigerated before assembling with the mashed potatoes and baking.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Fresh thyme and rosemary add aromatic depth that enhances the savory lamb and vegetable mixture.
- → Are there recommended side dishes to serve with this meal?
Light salads or steamed green vegetables, such as green beans, pair well to balance the richness.
- → Is it possible to add extra flavor to the filling?
A splash of red wine in the filling adds richness and complexity to the meat mixture.