Description
Hearty shepherd’s pie combines ground lamb, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in a comforting classic from Britain. Warm layers meld together, creating a satisfying meal that draws friends and family around the dinner table with its rich, homestyle appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds ground lamb
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, diced
- 0.5 cup corn
- 0.5 cup peas
Potato Topping and Seasoning:
- 1.5 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 ounces (57 grams) unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup half-and-half
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Peel and quarter potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash thoroughly with butter, half-and-half, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Incorporate egg yolk and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and carrots until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then introduce ground lamb, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until completely browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs.
- Reduce heat and simmer the lamb mixture for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Fold in corn and peas, ensuring even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
- Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat, creating decorative peaks with a fork for a crispy top.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, until the potato topping turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Choose lean ground lamb to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
- Swap lamb for ground turkey or beef to accommodate different protein preferences.
- Mix some grated cheese into the mashed potato topping for extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40-42 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 56
- Calories: 649
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 342 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg