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Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potato Topping

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A warm and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a savory lamb and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for chilly evenings and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or beef if preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Add fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. While the filling simmers, place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until very tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add softened butter and warmed milk. Mash until creamy but still fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread gently with a spatula or fork to create texture.
  9. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
  10. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a silky smooth mash. Avoid overmixing potatoes to prevent a gluey texture. Browning the meat well adds flavor. Keep mashed potatoes warm by placing the pot in a bowl of hot water while finishing the filling. If mashed potatoes are too stiff, add a splash of warm milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, creamy mashed potatoes, comfort food, lamb recipe, easy dinner, cozy meal