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Delicious Easy Shepherd's Pie with ground lamb and creamy mashed potato topping.

Easy Shepherd's Pie

A cozy and filling shepherd's pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes and infused with the rich flavors of ground lamb, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Irish
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1.5 pounds Ground lamb Use about 1 to 1.5 pounds for the recipe.
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Carrots, diced or frozen Frozen peas can be used instead.
  • 1 cup Frozen peas Totally fine to use.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste For depth of flavor.
  • 2 cups Broth Beef or chicken broth can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Optional but recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust based on taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme or rosemary Pinch for flavor.
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2.5 pounds Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) A good mashing kind.
  • 1/2 cup Butter For flavor and richness.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Use more or less based on desired consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender.
  3. While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground lamb until cooked through.
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until softened.
  5. Stir in carrots and peas, cooking for a few minutes.
  6. Add tomato paste and broth to the meat and veggies, season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter and milk until creamy.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Spread the meat filling in a baking dish.
  2. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly and creating ridges with a fork.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Optionally, broil for 1-3 minutes to achieve a crispy top.

Notes

This dish makes amazing leftovers, can be prepared ahead, and is freezer-friendly. Adjust seasonings to your taste. For a different twist, try using mixed frozen vegetables.