Save on Pinterest A comforting, classic shepherds pie with a hearty, savory lamb and vegetable filling, topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes enriched with cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners.
This warm rustic shepherds pie has always been a favorite in our household, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Ground lamb: 500 g (1.1 lb)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Beef or lamb stock: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon
- Frozen peas: 120 g (1 cup)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), peeled and cut into chunks
- Milk: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Unsalted butter: 50 g (3.5 tablespoons)
- Mature cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup), grated
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200℃ (400℉).
- Cook potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook vegetables:
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery cook 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and lamb:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in ground lamb, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Prepare filling:
- Drain excess fat then add tomato paste, stirring well. Pour in stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
- Season filling:
- Stir in peas season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with milk and butter until smooth. Stir in half the grated cheese. Season to taste.
- Assemble pie:
- Spoon lamb mixture into a deep baking dish or tray (about 2 L/2 qt capacity). Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Rest:
- Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save on Pinterest Sharing this shepherds pie at the dinner table always sparks warm conversations and fond memories.
Notes
Top with fresh chopped parsley before serving for color. Serve with rustic bread and a green salad.
Required Tools
Large skillet Saucepan Potato masher Baking dish (2 L / 2 qt capacity) Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese butter milk) Wheat (Worcestershire sauce may contain gluten) May contain Celery If using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce this dish can be gluten-free Always check product labels.
Save on Pinterest This rustic shepherds pie is sure to become a comfort food favorite any time of year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What can I use instead of lamb?
Ground beef is a great alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor while maintaining the hearty essence of the dish.
- → How do I achieve a golden topping?
Make sure to spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly and bake until the surface turns golden and slightly crisp, about 25-30 minutes.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and topping separately, assemble before baking, then store in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
- → What herbs complement the filling best?
Dried thyme and rosemary add warm, fragrant notes that enhance the lamb and vegetable layers beautifully.
- → Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are free of gluten to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.