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Shepherd's Pie

A comforting and hearty Shepherd's Pie filled with savory lamb and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground lamb (or beef) Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 piece onion, chopped
  • 2 pieces carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth Using less broth helps prevent a watery dish.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk Substitute with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free version.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) Optional topping for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb (or beef) over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Mashed Potatoes
  1. While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Add butter and milk to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a baking dish, layer the meat filling evenly at the bottom. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spatula.
  2. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  4. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Consider portobello mushrooms for a hearty, earthy alternative. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).