This Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its best! With tender lamb, mixed veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes on top, it’s a warm hug in a dish.
There’s something about the crisp potato topping that just makes it irresistible. I love serving it with a side salad for a little crunch. Perfect for cozy nights in! 🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their fluffy texture when mashed. If you’re looking to cut carbs, consider using cauliflower for a lighter topping.
Ground Lamb: If lamb isn’t your thing, ground beef or turkey works perfectly as a substitute. They bring a different flavor but still offer a delicious result. I’ve even mixed meats for an interesting flavor twist!
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can switch with low-fat milk or a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk if you’re aiming for a lighter dish.
Tomato Paste: If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use ketchup for a sweeter flavor, or even a bit of crushed tomatoes if you want a chunkier filling.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. You can replace dried thyme and rosemary with fresh versions, using about three times the amount. Fresh parsley adds great color too!
How Do I Get My Potatoes Creamy and Fluffy?
Getting the perfect mash is essential for the top of your shepherd’s pie. Here’s how to ensure they’re creamy and fluffy:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for better flavor. Don’t overboil; check for tenderness with a fork after 15 minutes.
- Drain well after boiling to avoid watery mash. Let them sit for a minute before mashing.
- Add warm milk or cream and softened butter. Warm liquid helps blend better and keeps the mash fluffy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, but add them gradually—you can always add more!
These tips will help you achieve that dreamy, creamy topping. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lamb Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup beef or lamb broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lamb Shepherd’s Pie takes about 20 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’ll be just the right temperature when we’re ready to bake!
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Toss the chopped potatoes into a pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re nice and tender. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Set these creamy mashed potatoes aside for later.
3. Prepare the Lamb Filling:
While your potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant. Now, crank up the heat a little and throw in the ground lamb. Cook it until it’s browned, making sure to break it into small pieces with your spoon.
4. Flavor the Mixture:
Next, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary. Mix everything together really well. Now pour in the beef or lamb broth and let this simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the mix gets a bit thicker. Finally, stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re heated through.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Take your lovely lamb mixture and transfer it into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, spoon your delicious mashed potatoes over the top, spreading it gently to cover everything completely. Use a fork to create some nice texture on the surface which helps it get a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
6. Bake and Serve:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Once it’s done, take it out and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it hot, and consider including some extra veggies or gravy on the side if you’d like!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Lamb Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also use ground beef for a classic shepherd’s pie, just keep in mind that it will have a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground lamb with lentils or a mix of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of meat broth to enhance the flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just let the shepherd’s pie cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
