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

Easy Shepherd's Pie

A cozy and comforting dish featuring a savory ground lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Irish
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lamb Filling
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds Ground lamb
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Carrots, diced Frozen peas can be used instead
  • 1 cup Frozen peas Optional
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Optional
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Or a splash of soy sauce
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme or rosemary Pinch
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 pounds Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
  • 3 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 cup Milk Adjust for desired creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Optional, for topping

Method
 

Preparation of Potatoes
  1. Boil the potatoes. Peel if desired, cube them, and boil in salted water until very soft. Drain, then mash with butter and milk until creamy but sturdy.
Cooking the Lamb Filling
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb with diced onion until browned.
  2. If there is excess grease, spoon some out, leaving a little for flavor.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for about a minute.
  4. Add diced carrots and peas, then pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Spread the lamb filling into a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread to seal the filling.
  2. Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato top.
  3. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
  4. If using cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Notes

Make ahead friendly: assemble earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake later, adding a few extra minutes in the oven.