Classic Shepherd's Pie
British/IrishDinner

Classic Shepherd's Pie

Savory ground lamb and vegetables simmered in rich gravy beneath a golden layer of buttery mashed potatoes.

Total

36 min

Servings

6

Level

Medium

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 lb Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Filling

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold salted water.

Bring to a boil and cook approximately 15-20 minutes until very tender.

Drain thoroughly.

Mash with butter, warm milk and salt until smooth.

Preheat oven to 400F.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Add lamb and brown thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain excessive fat if necessary.

Add onion and carrots and cook approximately 6 minutes.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.

Sprinkle flour over filling and stir.

Add broth, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.

Simmer approximately 8 minutes until thickened.

Stir in frozen peas.

Spread filling evenly in the skillet or transfer to a baking dish.

Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling.

Spread potatoes completely to the edges.

Roughen the potato surface with a fork to create browned ridges.

Bake approximately 25 minutes until bubbling.

Broil 2-3 minutes if needed for additional browning.

Rest approximately 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving

540

Calories

32g

Protein

38g

Carbs

28g

Fat

Chef's Notes & Storage

Because this version uses lamb, Shepherd's Pie is the correct traditional name. A beef version would generally be called Cottage Pie.
Part of:Biscuits

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