A classic shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining seasoned ground lamb with vegetables in a rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This traditional British dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for cold evenings.
While the original recipe dates back to the 1800s, this version maintains authenticity while incorporating modern cooking techniques for enhanced flavor and consistency. The result is a delicious one-dish meal that’s both family-friendly and elegant enough for company.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground lamb
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Serves: 8
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes
- Step 2: Brown lamb in a large skillet, drain excess fat
- Step 3: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the lamb; cook until vegetables soften
- Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme
- Step 5: Simmer mixture for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened
- Step 6: Add frozen peas and season with salt and pepper
- Step 7: Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth
- Step 8: Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish
- Step 9: Top with mashed potatoes, creating peaks with a fork
- Step 10: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown
Additional Instructions
- Can substitute ground beef for lamb (then called “Cottage Pie”)
- For extra richness, add grated cheddar cheese to potato topping
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes
- Allergy note: Contains dairy
General Nutritional Values
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
