Shepherd's Pie
A hearty and classic comfort food featuring a rich, savory lamb filling with vegetables, all topped with a fluffy, golden-brown crust of mashed potatoes. The perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potato Topping
- b.Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and add 1 tsp of salt. Cover with cold water by at least an inch.
- c.Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot, empty pot for 1 minute to steam dry.
- e.Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, warm milk, egg yolk, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Beat until creamy and fluffy. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Lamb and Vegetables
- b.While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until well-browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- e.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the lamb. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Savory Gravy
- b.Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- d.Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
- f.Remove from heat and stir in the frozen peas, chopped thyme, and rosemary. Season the filling with the final 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, or to your taste.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake
- b.If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13 inch or similar 2-quart baking dish.
- c.Spoon the mashed potato topping over the filling, spreading it gently to the edges to create a seal.
- d.Use the back of a fork to create ridges and peaks on the potato surface, which will become crispy and golden.
- e.Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- f.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is beautifully golden brown.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the Shepherd's Pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the filling to set, ensuring clean slices.
- c.Serve warm and enjoy this classic comfort dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, ensure the lamb is well-browned before adding vegetables. This process, called the Maillard reaction, creates deep, savory notes.
- 2Using warm milk and room temperature butter for the mashed potatoes helps them absorb the dairy better, resulting in a creamier, fluffier texture.
- 3Letting the pie rest after baking is essential. It allows the gravy to thicken and set, preventing a soupy mess when you slice into it.
- 4For an extra savory and crispy topping, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese over the potatoes before baking.
- 5This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cottage Pie
The most classic variation. Simply substitute the ground lamb with an equal amount of ground beef.
Vegetarian Shepherd's PieVegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Replace the ground lamb with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils and 8 oz of finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based version.
Sweet Potato ToppingSweet Potato Topping
For a slightly sweeter and more colorful twist, replace the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes. Mash with butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt.
Root Vegetable MedleyRoot Vegetable Medley
Enhance the filling by adding other diced root vegetables like parsnips or turnips along with the carrots and celery.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground lamb provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The mashed potato topping is rich in complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy to keep you feeling full and energized.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is packed with vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas, which contribute essential nutrients such as Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin C for immunity, and dietary fiber for digestive health.
Source of Iron
Lamb is a good source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 600-650 calories. The exact amount can vary based on the fat content of the lamb and the amount of butter used.