Description
Hearty Shepherd’s Pie brings classic British comfort to dinner tables with rich ground lamb nestled beneath creamy mashed potato peaks. Savory layers of meat and vegetables create a satisfying meal guaranteed to warm winter nights and delight hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Base:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Potato Topping:
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it.
- In a spacious skillet, brown ground lamb and beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and rosemary, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour beef broth and worcestershire sauce into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, then transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Peel and quarter the russet potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, mashing thoroughly while gradually incorporating milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Gently spread the mashed potatoes over the meat base, creating decorative peaks and valleys with a fork.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the potato topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meats to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the classic dish.
- Substitute lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like peas or sweet corn into the meat mixture to boost nutritional value and add vibrant color.
- Consider using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a nutrient-dense alternative with a slightly sweeter taste and improved vitamin content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg