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Cozy Shepherds Pie with Lamb

shepherds pie with lamb - featured image

A warm and hearty shepherd’s pie featuring tender ground lamb and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground lamb (preferably lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef or lamb broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk or cream (use plant-based milk for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Test by piercing with a fork; they should slide off easily. Drain well and return to the pot.
  2. Add butter and warm milk (or cream) to the drained potatoes. Mash using a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder if desired. Keep warm while you prepare the filling.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, sauté until softened and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground lamb, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in frozen peas in the last 2 minutes just to warm through.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the lamb mixture evenly into your baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top, spreading gently to cover all the filling. Use a fork to create texture on the surface for a nice crust.
  8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and crispy around the edges.
  9. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use grass-fed ground lamb and Yukon Gold potatoes. Browning the lamb well adds depth. If filling is too runny before baking, cook longer to thicken. For extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, lamb, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, mashed potatoes, hearty meal