Name: Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 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 leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); ½ cup frozen peas; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; ¼ cup milk; Salt to taste

Description

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British comfort food featuring a savory mixture of ground lamb, vegetables, and herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This hearty main course offers a balanced blend of tender meat filling and fluffy mashed potatoes, making it a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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 leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ cup frozen peas
Salt and black pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup milk
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Brown Lamb: Add ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking.
Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and thyme. Simmer the mixture for 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Incorporate Peas and Season: Stir in frozen peas and season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook Potatoes: Meanwhile, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15–20 minutes.
Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
Assemble Pie: Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly and using a fork to create texture.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
Rest and Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred for a milder flavor.
For a creamier mashed potato topping, add a splash of heavy cream during mashing.
To save time, assemble the shepherd’s pie ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.