A classic comfort food, this Shepherd's Pie features a savory, rich ground lamb and vegetable filling simmered in a flavorful gravy, all topped with a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by at least an inch and add 1 tbsp of salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot, empty pot for 1 minute to evaporate any excess moisture.
Mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or ricer. Add 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter, the warm heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the egg yolk until fully combined. This helps create a golden crust. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
2
Create the Lamb Filling
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large, deep oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (the mirepoix). Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
About This Shepherd's Pie with Lamb Recipe
A classic comfort food, this Shepherd's Pie features a savory, rich ground lamb and vegetable filling simmered in a flavorful gravy, all topped with a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
This irish recipe takes 80 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 907.85 calories per serving with 33.66g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or supper.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned all over. Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to coat everything. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped thyme, rosemary, frozen peas, and the remaining 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
3
Assemble and Bake the Pie
If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13-inch or similar 2.5-quart baking dish.
Spoon the prepared mashed potato topping evenly over the lamb filling. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover the filling completely and seal the edges.
For a classic look and crispy texture, use the tines of a fork to create ridges or peaks across the potato surface.
Optional: For an extra golden-brown crust, brush the top of the potatoes with melted butter.
Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling at the edges and the potato topping is beautifully golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the gravy to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Pro Tips
1For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. It creates a finer, smoother texture.
2Don't skip draining the excess fat from the lamb. This is key to preventing a greasy pie.
3Letting the pie rest after baking is essential. It allows the gravy to thicken and set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
4For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) to the pan after cooking the lamb and let it reduce before adding the broth.
5This dish can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Recipe Variations
Make it a Cottage Pie
Make it a Cottage Pie
Substitute the ground lamb with ground beef for the classic British version of this dish.
Cheesy Topping
Cheesy Topping
Fold 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them on top.
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Replace the lamb with 3 cups of cooked brown or green lentils and 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Sweet Potato Topping
Sweet Potato Topping
For a slightly sweeter and more colorful version, use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes for the topping.
Health Benefits
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Excellent Source of Protein
Lamb is a high-quality protein source, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
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Rich in B Vitamins
This dish provides essential B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12 from the lamb, which is vital for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of healthy red blood cells.
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Provides Key Minerals
Lamb is a great source of bioavailable iron and zinc. Iron is essential for preventing anemia and transporting oxygen, while zinc supports a healthy immune system and wound healing.
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Contains a Medley of Vegetables
The inclusion of onions, carrots, celery, and peas adds dietary fiber, vitamins like A and K, and beneficial antioxidants to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie?
Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with ground lamb (as shepherds tend to sheep), while Cottage Pie is made with ground beef.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire pie, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Is Shepherd's Pie with Lamb healthy?
Shepherd's Pie is a hearty and calorie-dense comfort food. While it provides significant protein, vitamins, and minerals from the lamb and vegetables, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How many calories are in one serving of this Shepherd's Pie?
A single serving of this recipe contains approximately 780-850 calories, depending on the specific fat content of the ground lamb and other ingredients used.
Can I freeze Shepherd's Pie?
Yes, it freezes well. Assemble the pie in a freezer-safe dish, let it cool, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
