A traditional comfort food bake featuring savory ground lamb and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:45 min
Total Time:70 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 lbs ground lamb
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add ground lamb to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then stir in rosemary and thyme. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
While the meat mixture simmers, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well. Return them to the pot and mash them with milk, butter, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth and creamy.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Use a fork to create texture on top, which will help it brown nicely.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture after browning the lamb.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish before topping with mashed potatoes.
This dish reheats well, making it great for meal planning.