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Cozy Shepherds Pie with Ground Lamb

shepherds pie with ground lamb - featured image

A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring ground lamb and a creamy mashed potato crust, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground lamb (grass-fed recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup beef or lamb broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: grated sharp cheddar cheese for sprinkling
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
  2. While potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onions, garlic, and diced carrots to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent and carrots start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until mixture thickens and carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Drain cooked potatoes well and return to pot or mixing bowl. Add softened butter and warm milk or cream. Mash with potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon lamb filling evenly into baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over potatoes.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until potato crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling around edges.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for fluffy mashed potatoes; Yukon Golds can be used for creamier texture. If mashed potatoes are too thick, add a splash more milk before spreading. Cover pie with foil if potato crust browns too fast. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with coconut or almond milk. Browning the lamb well adds rich flavor. Season in layers and taste as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground lamb, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cozy recipe