Description
A hearty and comforting classic British Shepherd’s Pie featuring a savory ground lamb or beef filling with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetable Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1.5 pounds ground lamb or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and diced carrots and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop flavor.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks evenly. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in the frozen peas and corn just until combined, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spatula for an even layer. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top if using.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience, or substitute sweet potatoes to add a unique flavor twist.
- For a lighter or vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey or cooked lentils for the meat.
